Spanish Armada - Rebellion in Ireland In 1588, the Spanish
Armada, consisting of 130 great vessels, with 20,000 land forces
on board, set sail against England, while 34,000 more land
forces prepared to join from the Netherlands. Amidst the
consternation which prevailed in England, active measures were
taken to de fend the country; thirty vessels prepared to meet
the Armada, and another fleet endeavored to block up the
Netherlands forces in port. The command was taken by Lord Howard
of Effingham. Troops were also mustered on land to repel the
invaders. The English fleet attacked. the Armada in the Channel,
and was found to have a considerable advantage in the lightness
and manageableness of the vessels. As the Armada sailed along,
it was infested by the English in the rear, and by a series of
desultory attacks, so damaged as to be obliged to take refuge on
the coast of Zealand. The Duke of Parma now declined to embark
the Netherlands forces, and it was resolved by the admiral, that
they should return to Spain