'The Glorious Conquest of Buenos Ayres by the British Forces, 27th June 1806'

Coloured woodcut, published by G Thompson, 1806.

Britain had considered occupying Spain's rich South American colonies in 1795 after Spain came under French control. Invasion plans were drawn up by the British government but never authorised. However, in an attempt to make a name for himself, Admiral Sir Home Popham put the unapproved plans into action in 1806-1807. The subsequent invasions of the River Plate colonies (Buenos Aires and Montivedo) failed and Popham surrendered.