Drake's Raid on Cádiz (1587)

Timeline

1. 1587Plymouth · DevonFrancis Drake, under Queen Elizabeth I's secret authorization, set out from Plymouth with a privateering fleet of about 25 warships and 5 merchant ships, aiming to disrupt preparations for the Spanish Armada. Before sailing he received a hesitant recall order from the Privy Council, but refused to obey on the grounds that the trade winds had risen, and boldly put to sea.
2. 1587Bay of Cádiz · Andalusia, SpainTaking the Cádiz garrison completely by surprise, Drake's fleet forced its way into the bay. The English used fireships in combination with broadside bombardment, destroying or capturing some 24 to 37 Spanish ships (including several capital warships) and burning large stocks of oak barrel staves used to make supply water casks. The harbor's nominal commander failed to organize effective resistance, and the main fleet of the Armada's commander-in-chief, the Marquis of Santa Cruz, was not in port. The English stayed about 36 hours and withdrew at leisure with light casualties. Afterwards Drake called the action 'singeing the King of Spain's beard'.
3. 1587Cape St Vincent · Southwestern PortugalAfter leaving Cádiz, Drake moved the fleet to Cape St Vincent at Portugal's southwestern tip, establishing a blockade post for about two weeks, intercepting Spanish and Portuguese supply ships plying between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and capturing and destroying large quantities of oak barrel staves, food, rope, and other strategic materials. The blockade prevented Spain from replacing Cádiz's losses through coastal shipping and made Philip II realize the serious gaps in coastal defense.
4. 1587Waters near the Azores · Azores watersOn the return voyage, Drake's fleet captured near the Azores the great Portuguese carrack São Filipe, laden with valuable East Indies cargo. The ship's goods—spices, silk, gold, and ivory—were valued at about £114,000, far exceeding the expedition's total cost and yielding investors a handsome return. Documents seized aboard revealed Portugal's Asian trade routes and bases, providing important intelligence for the later founding of the English East India Company.