1801-1807

1801-1807 - The bombing of Copenhagen by Admiral Nelson

Englandskrigene Among the darkest days in Copenhagen's history were the two occasions it fell victim to bombardments by the British navy.

The first occasion arose after Denmark had entered into an armed neutrality pact with Russia, Sweden and France against England. As a result, Admirals Nelson and Parker in April 1801 led a fleet into the Øresund and commenced bombarding the city with canon fire.

The Danes only survived thanks to a change in the direction of the wind which left some of the English fleet at risk of being driven ashore.

Eventually, King Frederik VI surrendered, but the British came back six years later, this time led by the Duke of Wellington who wanted to prevent the Danish navy from being commandeered by the French.

The second bombardment was far worse, resulting in 300 houses being destroyed and the spire of the Church of the Blessed Virgin (Vor Frue Kirke) falling down.



Basic facts Practical information City maps History Great Danes - past Great Danes - present Historic events The Little Mermaid Tourist > About Copenhagen > History > Historic events > 1801-1807 1801-1807 1801-1807 - The bombing of Copenhagen by Admiral Nelson Among the darkest days in Copenhagen's history were the two occasions it fell victim to bombardments by the British navy. The first occasion arose after Denmark had entered into an armed neutrality pact with Russia, Sweden and France against England. As a result, Admirals Nelson and Parker in April 1801 led a fleet into the Øresund and commenced bombarding the city with canon fire. The Danes only survived thanks to a change in the direction of the wind which left some of the English fleet at risk of being driven ashore. Eventually, King Frederik VI surrendered, but the British came back six years later, this time led by the Duke of Wellington who wanted to prevent the Danish navy from being commandeered by the French. The second bombardment was far worse, resulting in 300 houses being destroyed and the spire of the Church of the Blessed Virgin (Vor Frue Kirke) falling down.