The Fierce Resistance
The distance between Rochester and London spanned approximately 52 kilometers. Napoleon and his formidable army covered that distance in about six hours, swiftly capturing towns along the banks of the River Thames with little to no resistance. Gravesend, Dartford, Bexleyheath, Welling, Plumstead, Greenwich, Deptford, and Bermondsey all fell under French control without a fight.
For each city they seized, Napoleon made it a point to detach troops from his advancing army, strategically positioned to prevent any potential revolts or uprisings. The French grip on these newly acquired territories was firm, and the anticipation of their arrival in London weighed heavily on the city's residents.
As Napoleon's Army approached the South Bank of London, they encountered an unexpected and determined British resistance. The city that had initially seemed docile had suddenly come alive with defiance.