In 1553, the French corsair François Le Clerc, known as 'Peg Leg', attacked Santa Cruz de La Palma amidst the colonial tensions between European powers. This attack is part of a series of pirate raids that plagued the Canary Islands during the 16th century, due to their strategic location on trade routes to the Americas. Le Clerc, commanding a fleet of ships, managed to land on the island and plunder the city, seizing a considerable loot. The attack left Santa Cruz de La Palma in ruins, but also prompted local authorities to reinforce coastal defenses and improve fortifications, such as the Castle of Santa Catalina. This event highlights the islands' vulnerability to foreign incursions and the need for military protection, marking a crucial point in the colonial history of the Canaries.