a permanent royal navy, with its own staff, dockyards and a group of purpose-built warships, was created in the 16th century in the reign of henry viii.221-37 under elizabeth i, england was at war with spain. privately owned ships combined with the royal navy raided spanish commerce and colonies.238-53, 281-6, 292-6 in 1588, philip ii of spain sent the spanish armada against england to stop english support for the dutch rebels, to stop english pirate activity, and to depose elizabeth. the spaniards sailed from lisbon, planning to escort an invasion force from the spanish netherlands. the plan failed due to poor planning, english tactics, blocking action by the dutch, and bad weather.253-71