John Hawkins

:(Disambiguation: you may be looking for Sir John Hawkins - the friend, attorney, executor and biographer of Dr. Samuel Johnson).

The Spanish Armada

Hawkins innovative measures made the new English ships fast and highly maneuverable. In 1588 they were tested against the Spanish Armada. Hawkins was one of three main commanders of the English fleet against the Armada, alongside Francis Drake and Martin Frobisher. Hawkin's flagship was the Victory. It is possible that Hawkins organised the fire-ship attacks at Calais. For his role in the great sea battle, Hawkins was knighted.

Related Topics:
1588 - Spanish Armada - Calais

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After the defeat of the Spanish Armada Hawkins urged the seizure of Philip II's colonial treasure, in order to stop Spain re-arming. In 1589, Hawkins sailed with former apprentice Francis Drake in a massive military operation (the Drake-Norris Expedition) with one of its goals being to try to intercept the Spanish treasure fleet. The voyage failed, but the idea led many other English pirates to make similar attempts.

Related Topics:
Spanish Armada - Philip II - 1589 - Francis Drake - The Drake-Norris Expedition

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In 1590 Drake and Hawkins founded a charity for the relief of sick and elderly mariners. This was followed by a hospital in 1592 and another in 1594, the Sir John Hawkin's Hospital. The charity continues today.

Related Topics:
Mariner - 1592 - 1594

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