How did the allies capture Barcelona in 1705?

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Illustration of the Battle of Blenheim showing cavalry and infantry in combat, fallen soldiers, and smoke rising from cannon fire across a hilly battlefield. — War of the Spanish Succession The Battle of Blenheim (August 13, 1704), was the most famous victory of John Churchill, duke of Marlborough, and Eugene of Savoy during the War of the Spanish Succession.

In 1705, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the allies captured Barcelona through a coordinated naval and land operation. The English admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell transported a squadron into the Mediterranean, which provided the necessary support for Charles Mordaunt, 3rd earl of Peterborough, to launch an assault.1

In September 1705, Peterborough’s forces successfully captured the fort of Montjuich, which overlooked the city. Following this strategic success, the allies were able to take the city of Barcelona itself in October 1705. This victory was significant, as it prompted both Catalonia and Valencia to declare their support for the archduke Charles and his claim to the Spanish throne.1