Battle of Gravelines 8 August

On this day, 8 August, in 1588 the Battle of Gravelines ended - the Spanish Armada was defeated by the English during an invasion attempt by Phillip II of Spain. The surviving parts of the Spanish Armada set sail for home. Sadly for the Spanish, only 67 of the original 130 ships that set out to biff the English returned to Spain and most of these were in very poor condition. Queen Elizabeth, being aware that the Spanish fleet had been defeated, decided to rally the troops who were assembled to repel a possible invasion at Tilbury in Essex - thus proving that the modern Labour Party did not invent spin.

"We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust." Her Majesty said, continuing with the unforgetable:

"I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field."
Brave stuff, especially when the enemy has already packed up and gone home.