Francis Drake’s Raid on Vigo (1585): A Prelude to the Anglo-Spanish War

In 1585, English privateer Sir Francis Drake, acting under Queen Elizabeth I’s orders to disrupt Spanish supply lines, launched an attack on the Galician port town and naval station of Vigo. This bold raid on Spain’s Atlantic coast was one of the first major English offensives in the Anglo-Spanish conflict (1585–1604), which would culminate in the Spanish Armada campaign of 1588.

Drake’s Mission: Disrupting Spanish Power

• Queen Elizabeth I granted Drake carte blanche to “impeach the provisions of Spain”, meaning he had full authority to:
  • Attack Spanish ports and colonies.
  • Capture supplies and ships.
  • Undermine Spanish economic and naval strength.
• Drake’s expedition of 1585–1586 was a preemptive strike against Spain, launched after King Philip II prepared an embargo against England.

The Attack on Vigo

• Vigo was a strategic Spanish naval base, serving as a military and trading hub on Spain’s Atlantic coast.
• Drake’s fleet attacked the town, aiming to damage Spain’s maritime capabilities.
• The English pillaged and burned parts of Vigo, although they did not establish a lasting occupation.

Aftermath and Impact on Anglo-Spanish Relations

• Drake’s raid weakened Spain’s Atlantic defenses, forcing Philip II to reinforce coastal fortifications.
• This attack further escalated tensions between England and Spain, directly contributing to:
  • Philip II’s decision to launch the Spanish Armada (1588).
  • The broader conflict of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604).
• Over the following years, Vigo remained a target for English privateers, and similar attacks disrupted Spanish shipping and trade.

Conclusion: A Provocation Leading to War

Drake’s 1585 raid on Vigo was one of the first direct English assaults on Spanish territory, marking the beginning of open conflict between England and Spain. His naval aggression, backed by Queen Elizabeth I, set the stage for further attacks on Spanish colonies and the eventual confrontation of the Spanish Armada in 1588.