Anglo-Dutch War

First [1652–1654]

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July 16, 2026

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The First Anglo-Dutch War (1652–1654) was a naval conflict between England and the Dutch Republic, primarily driven by commercial rivalry. England's institution of the Navigation Act in 1651 aimed to exclude the Dutch from English sea trade. An early incident in May 1652 led to England declaring war. While the Dutch achieved an early victory, England's larger and better-armed ships gained the upper hand in subsequent engagements. The war concluded with the Treaty of Westminster in April 1654, with both sides suffering heavy losses, including the death of Dutch Admiral Maarten Tromp in the final battle off Texel.1

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Battle of Portland
In the First Anglo-Dutch War, Maarten Tromp was reinstalled as commander of the Dutch fleet after the Battle of Kentish Knock. Tromp’s heroic demonstration of fighting skill at the three-day Battle of Portland—which was fought from February 28 to March 2, 1653—could not disguise the inferiority of…
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In the First Anglo-Dutch War, Maarten Tromp was reinstalled as commander of the Dutch fleet after the Battle of Kentish Knock. Tromp’s heroic demonstration of fighting skill at the three-day Battle of Portland—which was fought from February 28 to March 2, 1653—could not disguise the inferiority of…
Read More