[MR] History Blog: Stolen Spanish Ship's Cannon Recovered

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Recently the History Blog reported on the recovery of a 16th century
Spanish ship's cannon that had been looted from a wreck site off
northwestern Spain. Three cannons were located by fishermen, and two were
raised by the authorities, but the third had already been stolen. The
thieves rather stupidly posted a video online showing the cannon being
recovered, which led to their arrest. Duh! All three cannons are now at a
museum for conservation.

The whole story is at http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/61327 .

The unnamed shipwreck was from the 2nd Spanish Armada. Ah, you didn't know
there was a second Spanish Armada? This fleet was sent to invade Ireland as
a backdoor surprise attack on England in October 1596. Numbering between
126 and 140 ships, the Armada had barely assembled when it was struck by an
unexpected storm off Cape Finisterre during the last week of October. Five
galleons and 38 other ships were lost, and over 5,000 men drowned or died
of disease. The Spanish never even got close to England or Ireland. Round
two to the English: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_Spanish_Armada .

King Philip II of Spain launched a third Armada the next year, again during
the stormy autumn season. The 3rd Armada's 140 ships ran into the same
problem, being scattered at sea. This time though, some ships did get
through and were briefly able to put a few troops ashore. Other ships were
driven aground and were captured. In all, six ships were captured, 28 more
sunk or wrecked, and at least 1,500 men drowned, died of disease or were
taken prisoner. Round three to the English:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Spanish_Armada .

After the third failure, Spain was bankrupt (again), and Philip was a
broken man who died a year later. His son, Philip III, was more cautious,
but did send a small force to Ireland in support of the 1601 rising by Hugh
O'Neill, Red Hugh O'Donnell and Richard Tyrell. The Spanish were trapped at
the Battle of Kinsale, and after surrender were allowed to leave Ireland
alive.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆