English expedition to Portugal (1662–1668)

Charles however immediately annulled the treaty, citing King Philip IV of Spain's failure to aid in his restoration and instead answered Portugal's call for help.

[4] They were formed, trained and commanded by Thomas Morgan, a Welsh veteran soldier from the Dutch Revolt and the Civil War.

[7] Once in Portugal, the English troops at once were put into action but in the first few months of deployment, difficulties arose from the opposition of many Portuguese officers.

[8] In the field, however, the brigade was commanded by Michael Dongan, later by Lawrence Dempsey and finally by Frederick's son Meinhardt Schomberg.

[10] In the spring of 1663, a Spanish army under the command of Don Juan de Austria, son of Philip IV of Spain, had overrun the greater part of south Portugal with the important city of Évora taken on 22 May.

[11] At the Battle of Ameixial fought nearby, the Anglo-Portuguese swiftly defeated the Spanish - Juan of Austria's standard was captured when his squadron was almost wiped out.

[13] On 10 June 1664 the siege of Valencia de Alcántara took place and a fortnight later after a breach had been in the defences - the English who bore the brunt leading the main assault suffered heavy casualties but forced the surrender of the Spanish garrison.

[14] The Portuguese under commander António Luís de Meneses, 1st Marquis of Marialva positioned his heaviest infantry, composing the English brigade under Schomberg once more, in two lines in the most vulnerable area and ordered his artillery to support them.

As the battle raged Schomberg had his horse shot from under him, and was nearly captured, but the veteran brigade were able break the defences to bring about a decisive victory over the Spaniards under Luis de Benavides Carrillo, Marquis of Caracena.

[2] After Montes Claros the Spaniards failed to gain any compensating advantage but the war continued and Portugal was safe from further attack.

A ceasefire in September 1667 was declared after a palace coup within the Portuguese court forced King Afonso VI of Portugal into exile.

[16] In 1668, desperate to reduce its military commitments, at almost any price, Spain accepted the loss of the Crown of Portugal and formally recognized the sovereignty of the House of Braganza by signing the Treaty of Lisbon with the promised English mediation.