BattlefieldsArmada Beacon Chain — Devon Beacons Lit 1588
Tudor

Armada Beacon Chain — Devon Beacons Lit 1588

1588
Devon, England
Also known as: Armada beacon fired Devon 1588 · Lizard to Plymouth beacon chain 1588 · Devon coastal alarm Armada 1588
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Spain (Armada)
Forces
Plymouth fleet of 34 warships under Drake and Howard alerted
VS
Victor
England
Forces
Beacon keepers at each headland
Outcome
Beacons on the Lizard fired on sighting the Armada on 19 July 1588; alarm relayed along the Devon coast to Plymouth within hours; Drake and Howard informed while at Plymouth
The Battle

History & Significance

The firing of the Lizard beacon on 19 July 1588 initiated the most famous beacon relay in English history. The signal travelled from the Lizard headland to Plymouth in a matter of hours, giving Drake and Howard time to warp their fleet out of Plymouth harbour on the ebb tide before the Armada rounded the headland. The Devon beacon chain was the first and most critical link in the national warning system.

Casualties & Losses

None

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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