Armada 1588: The Spanish Assault on England

Campaign Chronicles

by John Barratt

The defeat of the Spanish Armada is one of the turning points in English history, and it was perhaps the defining episode in the long reigns of Elizabeth I of England and Philip II of Spain. The running battle along the Channel between the nimble English ships and the lumbering Spanish galleons has achieved almost legendary status. In this compelling new account John Barratt reconstructs the battle against the Armada in the concise, clear Campaign Chronicles format, which records the action in vivid detail, day by day, hour by hour. He questions common assumptions about the battle and looks again at aspects of the action that have been debated or misunderstood. Included are full orders of battle showing the chains of command and the effective strengths and fighting capabilities of the opposing fleets. There is also an in-depth analysis of the far-reaching consequences of the wreck of Philip II's great enterprise.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Many Ships?

Barrett has pieced together often from original sources a major piece of history which most of us know by name, but not by participants. We think we know what happened, but read Barrett’s Chronicles of the campaign, and we learn that what we have gleaned from stories we’ve been told is not nearly the complete truthful story. The English were not as smart as you might think, and the Spanish not nearly as dumb. Give the Armada 1588 a chance, you may be very glad you did.

[Mr. G. Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and detailed account of this event in history. With the use of contemporary sources it enlightens the reader into realising that this was not an heroic victory on behalf of the English but more about Spanish misfortune with the weather combined with very poor communications with Palma. No doubt English tactics of shepherding and standing off for the greater part rather than close encounters played it's part. It was also interesting to note the very minor part of Drake considering his fame in the conventional history. Worth a read.

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A momentous clash.

A very good account of the attempt to invade England in 1588 by the Spanish armada. The early clashes are not well known compared to the battle of gravelines. The parsimony of Elizabeth in supplying sufficient ammunition almost decisively aids the armada. The weather plays the most decisive role in the failure of the enterprise.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author sets out the history behind this enterprise. An over ambitious assault on Protestant England. Philip of Spain, typical of the Spanish Empire, wished to Catholicize Elizabeth's realm. English sea dogs, 16th century logistics and the weather upset plans.