Andrea/Cara here, Today I'm welcoming long-time friend and honorary Word Wench Amanda McCabe as my guest. Many of you know Amanda for her wonderful Regencies, but she also writes marvelous Elizabethan romances, and she here to tell us a little about the inspiration for her latest release, The Queen’s Christmas Summons. Not only does it have a holiday theme, but it also features swashbuckling action on the high seas as the British navy clashes with the Spanish Armada. So batten down the hatches and set sail to a fascinating time in history, as Amanda gives us some intriguing background on one of the biggest sea battles ever fought:
I’m so happy to be back at the Word Wenches today! I’m also so excited to have the chance to talk a bit about the history behind the book for my new release The Queen’s Christmas Summons. This story has been brewing in my mind for a long time, ever since I was a little girl and my grandmother (who was very proud to be Irish, and have the famous “black Irish” looks of dark hair, olive skin, and bright blue eyes) told me she was descended from a shipwrecked Spanish soldier who landed on Ireland’s coast in a storm and married a Galway woman. This story, while fantastic, is almost certainly a family legend, but it made me wonder—what would really happen if two such people met??? That’s how John (an English spy planted with the Armada) and his love Alys came to be. She saves his life on the Irish shore—and they meet up later at the queen’s own court for Christmas.
The Spanish Armada (Grande y Felicisima Armada, “great and most fortunate navy”) was one of the most dramatic episodes of the reign of Elizabeth I, and one of her defining moments. If it had succeeded, the future of England would have been very different indeed, but luckily, weather, Spanish underpreparedness, and the skill of the English navy were on the queen’s side. The mission to overthrow Elizabeth, re-establish Catholicism in England, and stop English interference in the Spanish Low Countries, was thwarted.
King Philip began preparing his invasion force as early as 1584, with big plans for his fleet to meet up with the Duke of Parma in the Low Countries, ferry his armies to England, and invade. His first choice as commander was the experienced Marquis of Santa Cruz, but when Santa Cruz died Philip ordered the Duke of Medina Sedonia to take command of the fleet. The Duke was an experienced warrior – on land. He had no naval background, and no interest in leading the Armada, as the invasion fleet came to be called. He begged to be dismissed, but Philip ignored the request, as well as many other good pieces of advice about adequate supplies and modernizing his ships.
After many delays, the Armada set sail from Lisbon in April 1588 (in The Queen’s Christmas Summons, it carries my hero, an English spy, along with it!). The fleet numbered over 130 ships, making it by far the greatest naval fleet of its age. According to Spanish records, 30,493 men sailed with the Armada, the vast majority of them soldiers. A closer look, however, reveals that this “Invincible Armada” was not quite so well armed as it might seem. Many of the Spanish vessels were converted merchant ships, better suited to carrying cargo than engaging in warfare at sea. They were broad and heavy, and could not maneuver quickly under sail. The English navy, recently modernized under the watch of Drake and Hawkins, was made up of sleek, fast ships, pared down and easy to bring about, which would prove crucial.
A series of signal beacons atop hills along the English and Welsh coasts were manned. When the Spanish ships were at last sighted off The Lizard on July 19, 1588, the beacons were lit, speeding the news throughout the realm. The English ships slipped out of their harbor at Plymouth and, under cover of darkness, managed to get behind the Spanish fleet. When the Spanish finally reached Calais, they were met by a collection of English vessels under the command of Lord Howard.
The English set fireships adrift, using the tide to carry the blazing vessels into the massed Spanish fleet. Although the Spanish were prepared for this tactic and quickly slipped anchor, there were some losses and inevitable confusion. On Monday, July 29, the two fleets met in battle off Gravelines. The English emerged victorious, although the Spanish losses were not great; only three ships were reported sunk, one captured, and four more ran aground.
Nevertheless, the Duke of Medina Sedonia determined that the Armada must return to Spain. The English blocked the Channel, so the only route open was north around the tip of Scotland, and down the coast of Ireland. Storms scattered the Spanish ships, resulting in heavy losses. By the time the tattered Armada regained Spain, it had lost half its ships and three-quarters of its men, leaving a fascinating trove of maritime archaeological sights along the Irish coast (and myths of dark-eyed children born to Irish women and rescued Spanish sailors! In reality, most of them met fates far more grim and sad). Among this most unlikely of places, John and Alys meet and find love! (You can also visit my website for more history behind the book, excerpts, newsletter sign-ups, and lots more!)
Did any of this history of the Armada surprise you? And speaking of epic battles, are there any other other famous clashes in history that you find memorable? Be sure to leave a comment as Amanda will be giving away a signed copy of The Queen’s Christmas Summons to one lucky commenter, chosen at random.
Amanda, thanks for visiting the Wenches again! I’m another who has always been fascinated by the vital defeat of the Spanish Armada. (In fact, I wrote a fantasy novella about it with my hero a weather mage who has to be blackmailed into summoning the hurricanes. *G*)
My mind always links the defeat of the Armada with Dunkirk, the two great, iconic stories of Britain’s mastery, and dependence, on the seas. Must get your book!
Thanks again for visiting and telling us this tale.
Amanda, thanks for visiting the Wenches again! I’m another who has always been fascinated by the vital defeat of the Spanish Armada. (In fact, I wrote a fantasy novella about it with my hero a weather mage who has to be blackmailed into summoning the hurricanes. *G*)
My mind always links the defeat of the Armada with Dunkirk, the two great, iconic stories of Britain’s mastery, and dependence, on the seas. Must get your book!
Thanks again for visiting and telling us this tale.
Amanda, thanks for visiting the Wenches again! I’m another who has always been fascinated by the vital defeat of the Spanish Armada. (In fact, I wrote a fantasy novella about it with my hero a weather mage who has to be blackmailed into summoning the hurricanes. *G*)
My mind always links the defeat of the Armada with Dunkirk, the two great, iconic stories of Britain’s mastery, and dependence, on the seas. Must get your book!
Thanks again for visiting and telling us this tale.
Amanda, thanks for visiting the Wenches again! I’m another who has always been fascinated by the vital defeat of the Spanish Armada. (In fact, I wrote a fantasy novella about it with my hero a weather mage who has to be blackmailed into summoning the hurricanes. *G*)
My mind always links the defeat of the Armada with Dunkirk, the two great, iconic stories of Britain’s mastery, and dependence, on the seas. Must get your book!
Thanks again for visiting and telling us this tale.
Amanda, thanks for visiting the Wenches again! I’m another who has always been fascinated by the vital defeat of the Spanish Armada. (In fact, I wrote a fantasy novella about it with my hero a weather mage who has to be blackmailed into summoning the hurricanes. *G*)
My mind always links the defeat of the Armada with Dunkirk, the two great, iconic stories of Britain’s mastery, and dependence, on the seas. Must get your book!
Thanks again for visiting and telling us this tale.
Yes, the British sea stories of valor and in saving their nation from peril are not only stirring real life stories, but also make great plots for fiction—and the celebration of heroes and heroines!
Yes, the British sea stories of valor and in saving their nation from peril are not only stirring real life stories, but also make great plots for fiction—and the celebration of heroes and heroines!
Yes, the British sea stories of valor and in saving their nation from peril are not only stirring real life stories, but also make great plots for fiction—and the celebration of heroes and heroines!
Yes, the British sea stories of valor and in saving their nation from peril are not only stirring real life stories, but also make great plots for fiction—and the celebration of heroes and heroines!
Yes, the British sea stories of valor and in saving their nation from peril are not only stirring real life stories, but also make great plots for fiction—and the celebration of heroes and heroines!
A fascinating bit of background. There were no surprises here for me, but I got a much fuller idea of what was behind the British victory.
Thank you, Amanda for a very interesting description.
A fascinating bit of background. There were no surprises here for me, but I got a much fuller idea of what was behind the British victory.
Thank you, Amanda for a very interesting description.
A fascinating bit of background. There were no surprises here for me, but I got a much fuller idea of what was behind the British victory.
Thank you, Amanda for a very interesting description.
A fascinating bit of background. There were no surprises here for me, but I got a much fuller idea of what was behind the British victory.
Thank you, Amanda for a very interesting description.
A fascinating bit of background. There were no surprises here for me, but I got a much fuller idea of what was behind the British victory.
Thank you, Amanda for a very interesting description.
It was not a surprise the Spanish Armada was defeated. The English navy and soldiers was the strongest fighting force in the world at that time.
The story is a riveting conflict for a novel filled with heroism.
It was not a surprise the Spanish Armada was defeated. The English navy and soldiers was the strongest fighting force in the world at that time.
The story is a riveting conflict for a novel filled with heroism.
It was not a surprise the Spanish Armada was defeated. The English navy and soldiers was the strongest fighting force in the world at that time.
The story is a riveting conflict for a novel filled with heroism.
It was not a surprise the Spanish Armada was defeated. The English navy and soldiers was the strongest fighting force in the world at that time.
The story is a riveting conflict for a novel filled with heroism.
It was not a surprise the Spanish Armada was defeated. The English navy and soldiers was the strongest fighting force in the world at that time.
The story is a riveting conflict for a novel filled with heroism.
Thanks so much for having me here today!! I did have a lot fun researching and writing this story–the beginning, with lots of storms and shipwrecks and the hero being rescued by a beautiful maiden, felt a bit like an old Erroll Flynn movie, which I love. 🙂 I was surprised when I delved deeper into the Armada story how much the whole enterprise seemed like it was set up to fail. They were delayed several times, supplies were low before they even set out, and the king (who knew nothing of the navy) insisted in micro-managing everything. Such a tragedy for the poor sailors
Thanks so much for having me here today!! I did have a lot fun researching and writing this story–the beginning, with lots of storms and shipwrecks and the hero being rescued by a beautiful maiden, felt a bit like an old Erroll Flynn movie, which I love. 🙂 I was surprised when I delved deeper into the Armada story how much the whole enterprise seemed like it was set up to fail. They were delayed several times, supplies were low before they even set out, and the king (who knew nothing of the navy) insisted in micro-managing everything. Such a tragedy for the poor sailors
Thanks so much for having me here today!! I did have a lot fun researching and writing this story–the beginning, with lots of storms and shipwrecks and the hero being rescued by a beautiful maiden, felt a bit like an old Erroll Flynn movie, which I love. 🙂 I was surprised when I delved deeper into the Armada story how much the whole enterprise seemed like it was set up to fail. They were delayed several times, supplies were low before they even set out, and the king (who knew nothing of the navy) insisted in micro-managing everything. Such a tragedy for the poor sailors
Thanks so much for having me here today!! I did have a lot fun researching and writing this story–the beginning, with lots of storms and shipwrecks and the hero being rescued by a beautiful maiden, felt a bit like an old Erroll Flynn movie, which I love. 🙂 I was surprised when I delved deeper into the Armada story how much the whole enterprise seemed like it was set up to fail. They were delayed several times, supplies were low before they even set out, and the king (who knew nothing of the navy) insisted in micro-managing everything. Such a tragedy for the poor sailors
Thanks so much for having me here today!! I did have a lot fun researching and writing this story–the beginning, with lots of storms and shipwrecks and the hero being rescued by a beautiful maiden, felt a bit like an old Erroll Flynn movie, which I love. 🙂 I was surprised when I delved deeper into the Armada story how much the whole enterprise seemed like it was set up to fail. They were delayed several times, supplies were low before they even set out, and the king (who knew nothing of the navy) insisted in micro-managing everything. Such a tragedy for the poor sailors
Indeed, Amanda. One can be glad the Armada failed and still mourn so many unnecessary deaths caused by incompetent higher-ups.
Indeed, Amanda. One can be glad the Armada failed and still mourn so many unnecessary deaths caused by incompetent higher-ups.
Indeed, Amanda. One can be glad the Armada failed and still mourn so many unnecessary deaths caused by incompetent higher-ups.
Indeed, Amanda. One can be glad the Armada failed and still mourn so many unnecessary deaths caused by incompetent higher-ups.
Indeed, Amanda. One can be glad the Armada failed and still mourn so many unnecessary deaths caused by incompetent higher-ups.
Yes, conflict does make a perfect background for dashing heroes!
Yes, conflict does make a perfect background for dashing heroes!
Yes, conflict does make a perfect background for dashing heroes!
Yes, conflict does make a perfect background for dashing heroes!
Yes, conflict does make a perfect background for dashing heroes!
Alas, a story that has been repeated too many times.
Alas, a story that has been repeated too many times.
Alas, a story that has been repeated too many times.
Alas, a story that has been repeated too many times.
Alas, a story that has been repeated too many times.
Very interesting. I never knew the Armada was so poorly equipped. I love historical romance, and love the actual history behind the story.
Very interesting. I never knew the Armada was so poorly equipped. I love historical romance, and love the actual history behind the story.
Very interesting. I never knew the Armada was so poorly equipped. I love historical romance, and love the actual history behind the story.
Very interesting. I never knew the Armada was so poorly equipped. I love historical romance, and love the actual history behind the story.
Very interesting. I never knew the Armada was so poorly equipped. I love historical romance, and love the actual history behind the story.
That surprised me too, Patricia.
That surprised me too, Patricia.
That surprised me too, Patricia.
That surprised me too, Patricia.
That surprised me too, Patricia.
Plus the new English captains like Drake and Raleigh had redesigned their ships to be sleeker, faster, easier to turn about, so their guns could pepper the old school Caravels of the Armada before they could even turn around. King Phillip was very against the re-design, Weather also worked against them
Plus the new English captains like Drake and Raleigh had redesigned their ships to be sleeker, faster, easier to turn about, so their guns could pepper the old school Caravels of the Armada before they could even turn around. King Phillip was very against the re-design, Weather also worked against them
Plus the new English captains like Drake and Raleigh had redesigned their ships to be sleeker, faster, easier to turn about, so their guns could pepper the old school Caravels of the Armada before they could even turn around. King Phillip was very against the re-design, Weather also worked against them
Plus the new English captains like Drake and Raleigh had redesigned their ships to be sleeker, faster, easier to turn about, so their guns could pepper the old school Caravels of the Armada before they could even turn around. King Phillip was very against the re-design, Weather also worked against them
Plus the new English captains like Drake and Raleigh had redesigned their ships to be sleeker, faster, easier to turn about, so their guns could pepper the old school Caravels of the Armada before they could even turn around. King Phillip was very against the re-design, Weather also worked against them
Most of this was familiar to me, though I hadn’t heard about the myths of dark-eyed children born to Irish women and rescued Spanish sailors. I suppose it’s not completely impossible idea.
Most of this was familiar to me, though I hadn’t heard about the myths of dark-eyed children born to Irish women and rescued Spanish sailors. I suppose it’s not completely impossible idea.
Most of this was familiar to me, though I hadn’t heard about the myths of dark-eyed children born to Irish women and rescued Spanish sailors. I suppose it’s not completely impossible idea.
Most of this was familiar to me, though I hadn’t heard about the myths of dark-eyed children born to Irish women and rescued Spanish sailors. I suppose it’s not completely impossible idea.
Most of this was familiar to me, though I hadn’t heard about the myths of dark-eyed children born to Irish women and rescued Spanish sailors. I suppose it’s not completely impossible idea.
Welcome back to the WordWenches, Amanda. I did know most of this history, and am looking forward to reading your book. But I am sad to learn that the “black Irish/Armarda survivors tales are myth — I’ve been told that all my life, too. I think I might choose to keep believing. 🙂
Welcome back to the WordWenches, Amanda. I did know most of this history, and am looking forward to reading your book. But I am sad to learn that the “black Irish/Armarda survivors tales are myth — I’ve been told that all my life, too. I think I might choose to keep believing. 🙂
Welcome back to the WordWenches, Amanda. I did know most of this history, and am looking forward to reading your book. But I am sad to learn that the “black Irish/Armarda survivors tales are myth — I’ve been told that all my life, too. I think I might choose to keep believing. 🙂
Welcome back to the WordWenches, Amanda. I did know most of this history, and am looking forward to reading your book. But I am sad to learn that the “black Irish/Armarda survivors tales are myth — I’ve been told that all my life, too. I think I might choose to keep believing. 🙂
Welcome back to the WordWenches, Amanda. I did know most of this history, and am looking forward to reading your book. But I am sad to learn that the “black Irish/Armarda survivors tales are myth — I’ve been told that all my life, too. I think I might choose to keep believing. 🙂
I love a historical novel that’s as much history as romance. This sounds fascinating, I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
I love a historical novel that’s as much history as romance. This sounds fascinating, I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
I love a historical novel that’s as much history as romance. This sounds fascinating, I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
I love a historical novel that’s as much history as romance. This sounds fascinating, I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
I love a historical novel that’s as much history as romance. This sounds fascinating, I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
Me, too, Anne. I’ve always found it very romantic! So I think I’ll keep letting my imagination run wild.
Me, too, Anne. I’ve always found it very romantic! So I think I’ll keep letting my imagination run wild.
Me, too, Anne. I’ve always found it very romantic! So I think I’ll keep letting my imagination run wild.
Me, too, Anne. I’ve always found it very romantic! So I think I’ll keep letting my imagination run wild.
Me, too, Anne. I’ve always found it very romantic! So I think I’ll keep letting my imagination run wild.
Really interesting, Amanda! It makes sense. The English sailors have always been attuned to the nuances of the sea throughout the centuries, so it’s not really a surprise that they understood ship design and kept making innovations.
Really interesting, Amanda! It makes sense. The English sailors have always been attuned to the nuances of the sea throughout the centuries, so it’s not really a surprise that they understood ship design and kept making innovations.
Really interesting, Amanda! It makes sense. The English sailors have always been attuned to the nuances of the sea throughout the centuries, so it’s not really a surprise that they understood ship design and kept making innovations.
Really interesting, Amanda! It makes sense. The English sailors have always been attuned to the nuances of the sea throughout the centuries, so it’s not really a surprise that they understood ship design and kept making innovations.
Really interesting, Amanda! It makes sense. The English sailors have always been attuned to the nuances of the sea throughout the centuries, so it’s not really a surprise that they understood ship design and kept making innovations.
I think it is TOTALLY possible! 🙂
I think it is TOTALLY possible! 🙂
I think it is TOTALLY possible! 🙂
I think it is TOTALLY possible! 🙂
I think it is TOTALLY possible! 🙂
The Spanish Armada has always been a fascination of mine. It’s amazing to think how easily things could have gone the other way. This book sounds fascinating!
The Spanish Armada has always been a fascination of mine. It’s amazing to think how easily things could have gone the other way. This book sounds fascinating!
The Spanish Armada has always been a fascination of mine. It’s amazing to think how easily things could have gone the other way. This book sounds fascinating!
The Spanish Armada has always been a fascination of mine. It’s amazing to think how easily things could have gone the other way. This book sounds fascinating!
The Spanish Armada has always been a fascination of mine. It’s amazing to think how easily things could have gone the other way. This book sounds fascinating!
I knew a few of those things about the Armada – most of the European history I’m familiar with came from novels and movies (and googling things that peak my interest). That storm is something that if read about in a novel many wouldn’t buy – sometime truth is stranger than fiction.
I knew a few of those things about the Armada – most of the European history I’m familiar with came from novels and movies (and googling things that peak my interest). That storm is something that if read about in a novel many wouldn’t buy – sometime truth is stranger than fiction.
I knew a few of those things about the Armada – most of the European history I’m familiar with came from novels and movies (and googling things that peak my interest). That storm is something that if read about in a novel many wouldn’t buy – sometime truth is stranger than fiction.
I knew a few of those things about the Armada – most of the European history I’m familiar with came from novels and movies (and googling things that peak my interest). That storm is something that if read about in a novel many wouldn’t buy – sometime truth is stranger than fiction.
I knew a few of those things about the Armada – most of the European history I’m familiar with came from novels and movies (and googling things that peak my interest). That storm is something that if read about in a novel many wouldn’t buy – sometime truth is stranger than fiction.
I’m looking forward to reading this book. It’s a relatively neglected era for romantic fiction, with so much drama and potential for great stories.
Hey, maybe you should get your DNA tested and see if you do have Spanish ancestry!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. It’s a relatively neglected era for romantic fiction, with so much drama and potential for great stories.
Hey, maybe you should get your DNA tested and see if you do have Spanish ancestry!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. It’s a relatively neglected era for romantic fiction, with so much drama and potential for great stories.
Hey, maybe you should get your DNA tested and see if you do have Spanish ancestry!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. It’s a relatively neglected era for romantic fiction, with so much drama and potential for great stories.
Hey, maybe you should get your DNA tested and see if you do have Spanish ancestry!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. It’s a relatively neglected era for romantic fiction, with so much drama and potential for great stories.
Hey, maybe you should get your DNA tested and see if you do have Spanish ancestry!
The Elizabethan era has been one of my favourite time periods since I first became interested in history and I’m familiar with the history of the Spanish Armadas. I remember writing a paper about it in a high school history class, which my teacher, who was a very strict Catholic teaching in the public school system, criticized because she claimed the first Armada was just a fleet of unarmed troop ships which it was unfair of the English to ambush. She didn’t seem to consider that the English were justified in resisting an invasion.
I’m looking forward to reading this book – as soon as I finish listening to my daughter talk through her ideas for a paper for HER high school history class (something that my parents did for me and I really didn’t sufficiently appreciate until now), dictating some letters,doing the monthly accounting for my business…..
The Elizabethan era has been one of my favourite time periods since I first became interested in history and I’m familiar with the history of the Spanish Armadas. I remember writing a paper about it in a high school history class, which my teacher, who was a very strict Catholic teaching in the public school system, criticized because she claimed the first Armada was just a fleet of unarmed troop ships which it was unfair of the English to ambush. She didn’t seem to consider that the English were justified in resisting an invasion.
I’m looking forward to reading this book – as soon as I finish listening to my daughter talk through her ideas for a paper for HER high school history class (something that my parents did for me and I really didn’t sufficiently appreciate until now), dictating some letters,doing the monthly accounting for my business…..
The Elizabethan era has been one of my favourite time periods since I first became interested in history and I’m familiar with the history of the Spanish Armadas. I remember writing a paper about it in a high school history class, which my teacher, who was a very strict Catholic teaching in the public school system, criticized because she claimed the first Armada was just a fleet of unarmed troop ships which it was unfair of the English to ambush. She didn’t seem to consider that the English were justified in resisting an invasion.
I’m looking forward to reading this book – as soon as I finish listening to my daughter talk through her ideas for a paper for HER high school history class (something that my parents did for me and I really didn’t sufficiently appreciate until now), dictating some letters,doing the monthly accounting for my business…..
The Elizabethan era has been one of my favourite time periods since I first became interested in history and I’m familiar with the history of the Spanish Armadas. I remember writing a paper about it in a high school history class, which my teacher, who was a very strict Catholic teaching in the public school system, criticized because she claimed the first Armada was just a fleet of unarmed troop ships which it was unfair of the English to ambush. She didn’t seem to consider that the English were justified in resisting an invasion.
I’m looking forward to reading this book – as soon as I finish listening to my daughter talk through her ideas for a paper for HER high school history class (something that my parents did for me and I really didn’t sufficiently appreciate until now), dictating some letters,doing the monthly accounting for my business…..
The Elizabethan era has been one of my favourite time periods since I first became interested in history and I’m familiar with the history of the Spanish Armadas. I remember writing a paper about it in a high school history class, which my teacher, who was a very strict Catholic teaching in the public school system, criticized because she claimed the first Armada was just a fleet of unarmed troop ships which it was unfair of the English to ambush. She didn’t seem to consider that the English were justified in resisting an invasion.
I’m looking forward to reading this book – as soon as I finish listening to my daughter talk through her ideas for a paper for HER high school history class (something that my parents did for me and I really didn’t sufficiently appreciate until now), dictating some letters,doing the monthly accounting for my business…..