The Great Expedition

In 1585, the English launched a pre-emptive strike against Spain, by attacking her New World colonies.



Led by Sir Francis Drake, in command of 21 ships and 1,800 soldiers, the expedition struck first at the Canary Islands, then attacked the city of Santo Domingo and the treasure port of Cartagena. Frequently outnumbered, Drake's soldiers won an series of spectacular victories and, laden with treasure, sailed home to a hero's welcome.



Featuring bespoke illustrations, this is the daring account of the most spectacular of Sir Francis Drake's raids on the Spanish Main that was the casus belli for war between England and the Spanish Empire.