In 1789, some political events of the French Revolution took place in France. They were based on the three principles: "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity." The main countries of Europe allied up against France, because they did not want these ideas “come” to them. Prince D. João has agreements with Spain and England separately. At this time the Spanish government asked for help. It wanted Portugal to participate in the Campaign of Roussillon (Eastern Pyrenees). While the Portuguese fought in the Pyrenees, Spanish delegates negotiate the peace with France, in secret. Portugal was in a difficult situation in France and Spain tried to break our alliance with England and our country seeks to maintain neutrality. The French have dominated almost all of Europe, except England. Then, the French blocked the ports of Europe to the British ships. Portugal tries to save time, but Napoleon gives us a deadline (September 30, 1807) to join the blockade, declaring war against England and confiscate the property of British citizens residing in our country. Portugal has not replied. On 27th October 1807, France and Spain reaffirmed their alliance, through the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which provided, in a secret agreement, the division of Portugal. But the invasion of our country had already been taken by Napoleon. Acros s Spain, the French army, commanded by Junot, reached Alcântara, in November 17th, 1807. With the help of three divisions Spanish are about to enter Portugal by the Beira Baixa.

The Escape of the Real Family for Brazil

On 27th November, the Portuguese Royal Family embarked to Brazil, running away from Portugal. They were accompanied by the English ships, that left of Belem. In the following day the Frenchmen arrived to Lisbon. Junot, was in “Forte de S. Julião da Barra” to fire the last ship that was seen in the horizon, but without success. The army of Junot was close to Abrantes. This situation helped the decision of the Royal Family. D. João, the regent prince, pretended to have closed the English harbours and declared war to England. This was done in a last gesture of the advance of Junot. The transference of Portuguese Royal Family to Rio de Janeiro, was seen by the prince, as the only way to guarantee the independence of the country, preventing to be captured by the invaders.
The members of the Royal Family had been installed in different boats so that, in case that some disaster happened in high sea, it had always a ready descendant to assure the continuation of the ancestry. About 15.000 people had followed D. João. During and after the embankment the confusion in the “Terreiro do Paço" , in the “Ribeira das Naus” and in Belém reigned. The guard of the navy embarked not being replaced. Many goods had been stolen. The population had known the escape of the Royal Family through a decree of the prince. In the absence of the monarch, the country would be governed by an Advice of Regency.

The battle of Vimeiro

This important battle in Vimeiro, a small village near Lourinhã, was decisive to our national defence.
In honour of our glorious soldiers and other people who participate in this historical event it was built a local monument.
The pedestrian distance between the main places is more or less 17.600 meters. This circuit begins and ends near the Monument of the Battle of Vimeiro, shown in the picture.
Along that way, several landmarks to remind the Portuguese combats between the troops commanded by Wellesley and by Junot are to be found.

The day the French Troops went from Torres Vedras to Vimeiro

In the morning of August 21st the French troops were in Torres Vedras. Sir Arthur Wellesley intended to circle the position of the enemy, moving to Lisbon by road from S. Pedro and Mafra. While giving the orders to go ahead he was notified of the arrival of General Burrard, who ordered that any move, would be dangerous.
One way that would take two hours walking time, took six long hours.
About 14,000 men were involved, as well as more than two dozen pieces of artillery pulled horses.
Sir Arthur strengthened the position of the hill of Vimeiro. All forces should be prepared to fight one hour before sunrise. At 9 am Junot put their divisions in motion for the fight.