The Singeing of the King of Spain's Beard, 1587

Question 1

When war broke out between England and Spain in 1585, what did Elizabeth do to strengthen England’s defences?

Answer 1

Every county was ordered to provide soldiers to defend the coast

Warning beacons were set up

Trading ships were converted into fighting ships

Question 2

How much treasure did Francis Drake return to England with in 1585 after Elizabeth sent him to attack the Spanish Caribbean?

Answer 2

£30,000

Question 3

To where did Sir Francis Drake sail in April 1587

Answer 3

Cadiz in the south of Spain

Question 4

What did Drake do in Cadiz in April 1587?

Answer 4

Destroyed Spanish ships and supplies - “the singeing of the King of Spain’s beard”

Question 5

What did Drake do after he had finished destroying Spanish ships and supplies at Cadiz?

Answer 5

He sailed northwards, destroying Portuguese ships carrying materials to make the barrels to hold the Spanish Armada’s food supplies

Question 6

Drake returned to England after the Singeing of the King of Spain’s beard with treasure worth how much?

Answer 6

£114,000

Question 7

How much longer did Elizabeth have to prepare England’s defences as a result of the Singeing of the King of Spain’s Beard?

Answer 7

12 months