Alexander Farnese Biography

Prepares Spanish operations to recover Ypres.

Captures Ypres for Spain during the Dutch Revolt.

Farnese restores Bruges to Spanish authority.

The Armada is blown north up the east coast of England and attempts a return to Spain by sailing around Scotland and out into the Atlantic, past Ireland but very severe weather destroys a portion of the fleet, and more than 24 vessels are wrecked.

The Armada is sent to suppress English support for the United Provinces, part of the Spanish Netherlands, and to cut off attacks against Spanish possessions in the New World and the Atlantic treasure fleets.

The expedition is supported by Pope Sixtus V, with the promise of a subsidy should it make land.

The fleet was to be commanded by the highly experienced Elvaro de , but he died in May 1588, a few months before the sailing date, and Medina Sidonia is appointed in his place.

This record states: At the outset Sidonia has 128 warships and 2 converted merchant ships under his command, the plan is to sail through the English Channel and.

This record states: The Armada is attacked by 200 English ships, assisted by the Dutch navy, in the North Sea at Gravelines, a fire-ship attack drives the Armada ships from their anchorage, and.

This record states: anchor off the coast of Flanders unite with the Duke of Parmas army & invade south east England.

This record states: in the ensuing Battle the Spanish abandon their rendezvous with Parma.

The Spanish are unable to reach the coast of Flanders to meet up with the army of the Duke of Parma, Medina Sidonia decides to return to Spain. The English and Spanish fleets again engage off the coast of Flanders, the English again are more successful

Parma is trapped in Dunkirk by a shallow harbour. Informed by from Parma that the "Great Enterprise" is hopeless

The Spanish are unable to reach the coast of Flanders to meet up with the army of the Duke of Parma, Medina Sidonia decides to return to Spain. The English and Spanish fleets again engage off the coast of Flanders, the English again are more successful