BattlefieldsSpanish Armada — skirmish off Plymouth / Eddystone
Tudor

Spanish Armada — skirmish off Plymouth / Eddystone

1588
Devon, England
Also known as: Armada first contact 1588 · Eddystone 30 July 1588
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Inconclusive
Forces
Spanish Armada c.130 ships.
VS
Victor
Inconclusive
Forces
English fleet c.50–60 ships
Outcome
First contact between English and Spanish fleets; English gained weather gauge
The Battle

History & Significance

The English fleet at Plymouth was caught at anchor when the Armada was sighted off the Lizard. The famous game of bowls story may be legendary, but the English fleet did have to warp out of Plymouth Sound against the wind. The first contact on 30-31 July off the Eddystone was inconclusive but the English successfully gained the weather gauge — the vital advantage they maintained throughout the campaign.

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