The North Taku Fort, China, 1860

Photograph by Felice Beato (1825-1907), 2nd China War (1856-1860), 1860.

The British and French captured the Taku Forts, at the mouth of the Peiho River, on 21 August 1860. The Chinese defenders put up a strong fight, but their lances, crossbows and outdated muskets and cannon were no match for the firepower of the Allies and they soon surrendered. This image depicts the French point of entry to the North Fort.

From an album of 39 photographs.