Carrickfergus Castle (Co Antrim)

On 21st February The 62nd regiment defending 1760 a French force of 600 soldiers led by Commodore Thurot attacked Carrickfergus, it appears this was designed as a diversionary tactic, as the French intended to invade England. The only forces available to defend the castle at the time were 200 men of the 62nd regiment of foot from General Strode's Wiltshire regiment stationed in Belfast. After fighting through the town the 62nd outnumbered three to one withdrew to the castle.

The French attacked three times without success, the defenders were running out of ammunition, they cut off their uniform buttons and melted them to make musket balls. When this source was expended they resorted to throwing stones. Eventually they surrendered and were allowed to march from the castle with their swords and regimental colours. Only two of the defenders were killed while the French lost fifty dead and a similar number wounded.

The French victory was short-lived, they sailed away with their plunder, and when close to the isle of Mann they were overpowered by three English Frigates under Captain Elliot. Thurot was killed and his men captured.

Read about The French Invasion from The Story of Belfast by Mary Lowry.


	One of the cannons on the ramparts of Carrickfergus Castle is shown below . The carriage is mounted in a semicircular track, and was aimed by means of two sets of block and tackle attached to iron rings in the wall (Not Shown) Crossbow in the Keep. Crossbow Man.

	French Invasion. 1760
	On 21st February 1760 a French force of 600 soldiers led by Commodore Thurot attacked Carrickfergus, it appears this was designed as a diversionary tactic, as the French intended to invade England. The only forces available to defend the castle at the time were 200 men of the 62nd regiment of foot from General Strode's Wiltshire regiment stationed in Belfast. After fighting through the town the 62nd outnumbered three to one withdrew to the castle. The French attacked three times without success, the defenders were running out of ammunition, they cut off their uniform buttons and melted them to make musket balls. When this source was expended they resorted to throwing stones. Eventually they surrendered and were allowed to march from the castle with their swords and regimental colours. Only two of the defenders were killed while the French lost fifty dead and a similar number wounded. The French victory was short-lived, they sailed away with their plunder, and when close to the isle of Mann they were overpowered by three English Frigates under Captain Elliot. Thurot was killed and his men captured. Read about The French Invasion from The Story of Belfast by Mary Lowry.