Historical Note Summary and Analysis

The historical notes at the end of the novel are informative and reveal what is historically accurate. It is true that Almeida's cathedral did blow up on August 27, 1810 and a Brigadier Cox who was in charge was forced to surrender to the French the next day. The exact cause of the explosion is unknown and a soldier really did save himself by getting in a bread oven like Sharpe, Harper and Teresa.

The Lines of Torres Vedras are real and remnants of the fortifications can still be seen today. What a feat this must have been at that time period, when there was little in the way of heavy equipment. With the desire to do something, and the manpower and raw materials available, almost anything can be accomplished.