The Legendary Expedition of Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake to Spain and Portugal in 1589

When it comes to legendary sea explorations, few names hold as much weight as Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake. In 1589, these esteemed individuals embarked on an extraordinary expedition to Spain and Portugal, leaving an indelible mark on history. In this article, we delve into the details of this captivating journey that forever altered the course of exploration and warfare.

Setting the Stage: Tensions Rise in Europe

The late 16th century was a tumultuous time in Europe, with rivalries and tensions pitting nations against each other. Spain, the reigning naval superpower, had amasseda vast armada and was planning an invasion of England. In response to these threats, Queen Elizabeth I of England authorized an expedition led by Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake to counteract Spain's dominance and protect English interests.

Embarking on the Voyage

In April 1589, the English fleet, comprising over 150 ships, set sail from Plymouth towards the Iberian Peninsula. The primary objective was to disrupt Spain's naval power and gather vital intelligence on their impending invasion plans. The expedition was strategically divided into two separate missions to maximize their chances of success.

Expedition of Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake to Spain and Portugal, 1589 (Navy Records Society Publications)

by R.B. Wernham(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Sir John Norris's Mission: A Daring Assault on Portugal

Sir John Norris led the first mission, setting his sights on capturing Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and a key stronghold of the Spanish Empire. His task was arduous, as Lisbon was heavily fortified and defended by an imposing garrison. Nevertheless, Norris's exceptional military skills and his determination to weaken Spain's dominance fueled his soldiers' morale. The siege of Lisbon commenced on June 28th, 1589, and lasted for over two months.

The English forces, numbering around 20,000 men, faced significant challenges throughout the campaign. Despite encountering fierce resistance, they overcame obstacles and successfully breached Lisbon's defenses. Norris's men overwhelmed the Spanish defenders, resulting in their surrender on August 25th, 1589. This victory shook the Spanish Empire to its core, demonstrating the vulnerability of their formidable military.

Sir Francis Drake's Mission: A Struggle Against the Armada

While Norris fought in Portugal, Sir Francis Drake led the second mission with the aim of neutralizing the Spanish Armada and destroying their ships. Drake's fleet consisted of powerful warships armed with the latest artillery innovations, enabling them to engage in naval battles with a strategic advantage.

Drake led his squadron along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts, launching audacious attacks on enemy vessels and coastal towns. The English disrupted Spanish supply routes and inflicted significant damage to their ships, thwarting their ability to launch a successful invasion of England.

The highlight of Sir Francis Drake's mission came on September 10th, 1589, during the Battle of Corunna. In this epic naval engagement, Drake's fleet obliterated the Spanish Armada, inflicting heavy casualties and causing immense chaos. The defeat demoralized the Spanish forces and severely weakened their plans for an invasion, solidifying England's superiority at sea.

The Legacy of the Expedition

The triumphant expedition of Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake to Spain and Portugal in 1589 had far-reaching consequences. The decisive victory in Lisbon ensured the security of English interests in Portugal and dealt a severe blow to the Spanish Empire's hold in the region. Additionally, the destruction of the Spanish Armada cemented England's naval dominance, laying the groundwork for its future status as a global superpower.

The expedition also showcased the exceptional leadership and military prowess of both Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake. Their courage, strategic brilliance, and determination set the stage for future naval exploits, inspiring generations of explorers and military leaders.

The expedition of Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake to Spain and Portugal in 1589 remains a legendary chapter in the annals of exploration and warfare. Their audacious assaults on Lisbon and the Spanish Armada reshaped the balance of power in Europe and solidified England's status as a formidable force at sea. This epic journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and the pursuit of greatness in the face of adversity.

Expedition of Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake to Spain and Portugal, 1589 (Navy Records Society Publications)

by R.B. Wernham(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	97040 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	456 pages

FREE

Actions against the Spanish Armada and campaigns in the Netherlands left the Queen’s coffers empty. For this reason proposals to capture the Spanish treasure fleet were given royal support. The treasure fleet homeward bound from the Americas would be intercepted in the Azores. A diversion at Santander to damage the Spanish fleet would prevent protection of the treasure fleet and, more importantly, prevent further actions against England or Ireland. However, the project was diverted further with backers wanting to re-instate Don Antonio as King of Portugal, with ideas of gaining lucrative Portuguese trade rights.

At sea a further diversion was taken, with news of shipping at Corunna and the prospect of capturing merchantmen. ‘Profit was already challenging strategy’. This diversion gave their enemies more time to prepare. The failure at Lisbon was partly from a lack of co-ordination between the navy and army but also from the lack of promised support from Don Antonio’s supporters.

The decision to sail for the Azores to intercept the Spanish treasure fleet was at last made only for Drake to be driven back to England by a storm. Short of supplies and with sick crews the ships were in no condition to continue with the Queen’s demands so there was no great treasure and the Spanish fleet was still in being. The sale of prizes and their contents failed to cover the cost of the expedition, and so the expedition was considered a financial and strategic failure.