Battlefields›Drake and Howard Preparations at Plymouth 1588
Tudor

Drake and Howard Preparations at Plymouth 1588

1588
Devon, England
Also known as: Drake Plymouth Armada 1588 · Lord Howard Plymouth fleet preparations 1588 · English fleet departs Plymouth 1588
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Spain (Armada)
Forces
Lord Howard of Effingham commanding; Drake as Vice Admiral
VS
Victor
England (Drake and Howard)
Forces
34 English warships
Outcome
Lord Howard of Effingham and Sir Francis Drake warped the English fleet out of Plymouth harbour against the ebb tide on 19 July 1588 after receiving the Armada alarm; 34 warships gained the sea and worked to windward of the Armada overnight
The Battle

History & Significance

The departure of the English fleet from Plymouth on 19 July 1588 was the opening land-based action of the Armada campaign. Drake and Howard had been aware for days that the Armada had sailed and their fleet was ready; the famous story of Drake finishing his game of bowls on the Hoe before embarking reflects the confidence of the English commanders that they had sufficient time to work out of harbour. The tactical achievement of getting to windward of the Armada overnight was the foundation of the English victory.

Casualties & Losses

None at Plymouth; subsequent Channel fighting casualties follow

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Drake and Howard Preparations at Plymouth 1588

The Royal Citadel mid 17th century bastioned artillery defence, incorporating late 16th century artillery fort and 18th century statue, on the Hoe
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Plymouth Castle (remains of)
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Mount Batten: 17th century artillery tower, Civil War breastwork, and World War II remains
Scheduled monument · ~0.7 miles
Eastern King battery
Scheduled monument · ~0.7 miles
Mount Batten: prehistoric and Romano-British settlement
Scheduled monument · ~0.8 miles
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