The Battle of Lagos represented a crucial moment in the naval conflict of the Seven Years' War, which pitted Great Britain against France from 1756 to 1763. On August 19, 1759, British Admiral Edward Boscawen led a squadron to engage the French fleet off the coast of Lagos, Portugal. The encounter unfolded as Boscawen sought to intercept French forces returning from a failed attempt to relieve the besieged French troops in Quebec. Tensions were high as both nations recognized the strategic importance of controlling the sea routes for their respective supply lines and colonial ambitions.

The battle began with a surprise attack as the British fleet, comprising several ships, caught the French off-guard. Boscawen's ships, including the HMS Royal George and HMS Namur, exhibited superior shipbuilding and gunnery skills, which proved decisive in the engagement. The British leadership executed maneuvers that allowed them to leverage their firepower effectively, leading to the sinking of two French ships and the capture of others, including the flagship, the French 74-gun ship, 'Héros.' This military encounter was notable for its tactics and artistry at sea, showcasing the age's naval combat techniques.

The aftermath of the battle saw the British gaining a significant advantage over the French in the naval theater of the war. The defeat severely hampered French naval operations, which struggled to recover from the embarrassment and loss of resources. The victory at Lagos allowed Britain to further establish its dominance in the Atlantic and contributed to the wider campaign strategies that would see the British forces prevail in various global theatres during the Seven Years' War. The British naval victories were instrumental in defining their burgeoning maritime empire in the 18th century, altering the balance of power in subsequent years.