Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Normandy. Plan of the harbour and the famous Vauban forts of La Hougue and Tatihou, now a maritime museum. Uncredited, though likely published by Thomas Jefferys from French sources.



Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue was the site of the decisive naval battle of the Nine Years' War in 1692. The two Vauban forts were constructed two years later to prevent future attacks. This map shows further planned improvements which were never completed, including a Great Harbour which would connect Tatihou to the mainland, a smaller harbour defended by the La Hougue fortress, and two defensive basins in which ships could be built and repaired.



Incidentally, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue was the first harbour to be liberated by Allies forces after the Normandy landings in 1944.



Coloured. [FR2378]