British and French forces reach the outskirts of the Chinese capital and sack the Summer Palace

French troops reached the Summer Palace of the Emperors of China on the outskirts of Beijing and heavy looting took place.  The British and French forces had continued their advance on the capital after negotiations had once again broken and the team of British negotiators imprisoned in harsh conditions.  Threatened with bombardment, Beijing surrendered six days later and was occupied.  (By John Osborne)