Maps from Royal Navy's victory over Spanish Armada to go on display

The story of one of the most defining moments in Royal Navy history can be explored in naval cartographic detail as rare maps detailing the defeat of the Spanish Armada are set to go on public display for the first time.

The 10 maps, drawn in 1589, are believed to be the earliest representation of the naval battles that took place a year earlier.

The exhibition showing the defining moment in the country's history comes after an urgent fundraising appeal in 2020 raised £600,000 to save the ink and watercolour pieces from being sold off abroad.

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In 1588, the English Royal Navy, which was to later become the Royal Navy in 1660 following restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, defended the country's shores against the Spanish fleet which was made up of 141 ships and 24,000 men. 

The Spaniards were dispatched with the aim of killing Queen Elizabeth I and replacing her on the throne with King Philip II of Spain.

But the outnumbered English fleet, led by Sir Francis Drake, managed to defeat its much larger enemy and establish the country's dominance over the sea. 

Members of the public will be able to view the collection at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Portsmouth, for 45 days from 24 June to 8 August.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to try out a touchscreen and animation created specifically for the maps.

The museum will also explore the build-up to the Armada campaign and will showcase an extremely rare map from May 1588 of the Spanish Armada outside Lisbon.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, director general of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: "Our job is to tell the epic story of the Royal Navy, its impact on Britain, as well as the world, from the earliest times to the present day

"To that end, we're delighted to display the complete Armada Maps Collection for the first time at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

"The defeat of the Armada was a turning point in forging our nation's identity and the maps act as a powerful commemoration of this pivotal naval battle."

He added: "The Armada Maps National Treasures exhibition is hugely significant; it is an opportunity for us to link Navy to nation and educate future generations about the origins of the Royal Navy as a protector of an island nation."