[3] In 1655, an English force led by Admiral Sir William Penn and General Robert Venables seized the island, and successfully held it against two Spanish attempts to retake it.

While this force anchored for two days near the mouth of Rio Nuevo, three English coast guard vessels chanced upon the Spanish but were chased away by gunfire.

[1] The victorious English conveyed the Spanish artillery back to 'The Point' and to Fort Cromwell, installing it into their defences.

Isasi tried to keep up the struggle until he was defeated in 1660, escaping from what is now the area of the Tower Isle resort and fleeing to Cuba by canoe with his remaining supporters.

[4] Buccaneers such as Henry Morgan were also invited to base themselves at Port Royal, to help defend against Spanish attacks.