National Armada Memorial, Plymouth

The National Armada Memorial stands as a proud testament on Plymouth Hoe, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the first sighting of the Spanish Armada by English captains stationed in the city. This event marked a pivotal moment in English history when the formidable Spanish Armada attempted an unsuccessful naval invasion.

News of the Armada’s approach reached Plymouth on the afternoon of 19 July 1588, and the fleet came into sight the following day. According to tradition, the English captains were engaged in a game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe when the tidings arrived. The famed commander Sir Francis Drake reportedly remarked, “There is time enough to play the game out first and thrash the Spaniards afterward,” epitomizing the legendary calm and confidence of the English forces.

The Armada Memorial's foundation stone was laid on 19 July 1888, marking 300 years since the first sighting. The event drew large crowds, with thousands arriving by excursion trains and a public holiday celebrated with a ceremony and banquet at the Guildhall. It was inaugurated on 21 October 1890 by Duke Alfred of Edinburgh, featuring civic pride and naval displays.

Designed by architect Herbert Gribble and sculpted by William Charles May, the granite structure features an octagonal base with steps leading up to a tall square plinth. This plinth is adorned with a shield surrounded by drapes and a crown, alongside a panel depicting the Battle of the Armada with the inscription “HE BLEW WITH HIS WINDS AND THEY WERE SCATTERED.” Additionally, the plinth includes a wreathed medallion and a chest adorned with a sculpted head believed to represent the Spanish admiral Sedonia.

Crowning the monument is an imposing 11-foot bronze statue of Britannia, a symbolic figure representing Great Britain, with a vigilant lion at her side. The National Armada Memorial had the patronage of Queen Victoria, further underscoring its importance as a national symbol.

In 1975, the memorial was designated a listed monument, ensuring its preservation as a significant piece of English heritage. The National Armada Memorial remains a powerful reminder of a defining moment in maritime history and a tribute to the valor and resilience of the nation.