Islands Voyage facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Islands Voyage
Part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604) and the Eighty Years' War
Date June – August 1597 Location Plymouth, Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, Cantabrian Sea, Ferrol and Azores Islands Result Spanish victory Anglo-Dutch failure Safe passage of treasure fleet Huge naval and economic losses for England
Belligerents
England United Provinces	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Robert Devereux Earl of Suffolk Walter Raleigh Jacob Duivenvoorde	Martín de Padilla Alonso de Bazán Juan de Garibay
Strength
120–150 ships 17,000 to 20,000 men (6,000 soldiers)	Unknown
Casualties and losses
High	Low

The Islands Voyage was a big naval trip by sea. It was also called the Essex-Raleigh Expedition. Queen Elizabeth I of England sent this trip, and the Dutch helped. They wanted to fight against the Spanish Empire and Portuguese Empire led by King Philip II of Spain. This happened during the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604) and the Eighty Years' War.

The Campaign's Goals

This naval campaign took place from June to late August in 1597. The main goals for the English and Dutch were:

• To destroy the Spanish fleet at Ferrol. This fleet was led by Martín de Padilla.
• To take over and destroy Spanish lands in the Azores Islands.
• To stop the Spanish treasure fleet coming from America. This fleet carried lots of silver and gold.

The trip was a big failure for England.

Leaders of the Voyage

Sir Robert Devereux, also known as the Earl of Essex, was the main leader. He was the Admiral and General-in-chief. Sir Thomas Howard, the Earl of Suffolk, was the Vice-Admiral. Sir Walter Raleigh was the Rear-Admiral. The Dutch ships were led by Lieutenant-Admiral Jacob van Wassenaer Duivenvoorde.

Other Important People

Other famous people who joined the voyage included:

• Sir Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton, who commanded a large ship called the Garland.
• The Baron Jacob Astley of Reading.
• Sir Edward Michelborne on his ship, the Moon.
• Sir Robert Mansell.
• Roger Manners, the 5th Earl of Rutland.
• The English poet John Donne.

The Outcome

The English and Dutch ships returned to England with many losses. There were also many arguments between Essex and Raleigh about who was to blame.

The Spanish fleets were led by Martín de Padilla, Alonso de Bazán, Diego Brochero, and Pedro de Zubiaur. The treasure fleet was safely led by Admiral Juan Gutiérrez de Garibay.

This expedition was the last major naval campaign ordered by Queen Elizabeth I. Essex did not capture the Spanish treasure fleet's silver. He also failed to take control of the Portuguese Azores Islands. These failures made the Queen less happy with him.

See also

In Spanish: Expedición Essex-Raleigh para niños

• Adelantado
• Master-General of the Ordnance
• Franco-Spanish War (1595–1598)