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Hello, and thanks for joining Revolution 250, where we look at events that took place 250 years ago

this week. This is part of the American Revolution podcast, and just a short bonus episode

to remind you about these important anniversaries from the Revolutionary War.

This week, we remember the burning of Norfolk, which took place over January 1st through 3rd, 1776.

A World on Fire. Nations collapsing, ideologies clashing, and ordinary men and women caught in

the storm. Hi, I'm Ray Harris Jr. of the History of World War II podcast, and we'll cover the

battles that shaped the war, from the deserts of North Africa to the frozen forests of the Ardennes,

because history isn't just names and dates. It's people,

choices, and consequences at World War II podcast.net.

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that the Patriots in Virginia had defeated the British at the Battle

of Great Bridge and then occupied Norfolk. The Virginia soldiers had won the battle at the Battle of Great Bridge and then occupied Norfolk.

The Virginia soldiers had won the battle at Great Bridge,

but shortly afterwards, Continentals,

under the command of General Robert Howe, arrived and took control of Norfolk.

The British and loyalists were forced to take refuge aboard Navy ships in mid-December.

About a week after this, on December 21st, Captain Henry Ballou arrived aboard the Liverpool

with 400 Marines and another supply ship.

These reinforcements gave Royal Governor Lord Dunmore the confidence to put his four naval ships

in a line of battle against Norfolk and threaten the city unless they provided food for the fleet.

The Patriots refused and the standoff continued for more than a week, which must have made a

really enjoyable Christmas for everyone

...