The Spanish Armada | Elizabethan England

The English fleet and the Spanish Armada met for the first time on July 31, 1588, off the coast of Plymouth. This video tells the story from an Elizabethan sailor's perspective, who sailed with Sir Frances Drake on board the Golden Hind.
Originally created by Kevin Hicks for examining board OCR.
#SpanishArmada #ElizabethanEngland #Tudor #Elizabethan
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Website: www.historysquad.ca

[@alanjones332]

I always feel when you’re told a story you need a teller to make you feel as if you were part of the story itself. You sir do just that. Fantastic.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Alan, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@johnmorgan1205]

For a few minutes I was there. That's the mark of the greatest story tellers.

[@meatballman8285]

I've only recently discovered this channel, I very much enjoy this form of history provision.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it, thank you 👍🏻

[@Beugsie]

Me too mate. What an excellent bloke

[@srice8959]

@@Beugsie Same here I discovered his Channel a couple of weeks ago myself, and I’m completely Hooked. I’ve been Binge watching him every chance I get! You can tell how much he truly loves what he’s doing. Because it shows up in the quality of his channel. You can tell he’s doing this because he loves it, and not because he wants to have a side hustle for money. Just think about how fun school would have been with him as our History Teacher. Especially since History was ALWAYS my favorite class!!!

[@dhireshnandha3319]

@@srice8959 100%

[@baarni]

Same

[@AlanTheBest97]

One hell of an actor. I would love to see more videos of this format

[@sirflamedrop6165]

Sir, that was an exceptional performance. It seems as though you have had formal training as an actor! You are a true gem, and a scholar

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you! 👍🏻

[@adamkedrowski7901]

I agree, you are amazing

[@deeznutts6612]

extremely well done, felt as if i was there.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@timengineman2nd714]

Almost as I was pier side and talking to him!

[@KibuFox]

I think he was... or it feels like it.

[@savevsdeath]

This channel is criminally underrated.

[@garychynne1377]

finest actor in all the realm. oddly the beard and moustache make you look younger. i love the odd creaking of the ship as you spin the yarn. i heard the spanish that escaped north and around scotland came down by ireland and some went aground survived and became the black irish meaning hair color. i found the small wheels on the cannon a interesting point. all the details you know really complete the story. even frighten me at times. thumbs up. have fun gary

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Gary - as it happens I was actually 15 years younger when this was shot. I was commissioned by the examination board OCR to create this for students. It was filmed & edited by a professional crew, not my lovely wife whose only just learning how 😉. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@randomcow505]

@@thehistorysquad god damn, Ive watched this once and still remember every detail if they put money towards making things of this quality for every lesson you could get a years worth of classes done in a month

[@petehall889]

A very evocative and atmospheric performance, Kevin! A splendid effort from our English sailor's, plus the superior strategy of Sir Francis ensured victory. He still watches over us and Drake's Drum is still ready to bring him to our side if ever England is in danger! One of my most treasured possessions is an Indenture on vellum dated 1585, three years before the Spanish dared to threaten our shores. It is wonderful to hold history in one's hand, is it not?

[@thehistorysquad]

It is indeed 👍🏻

[@ekremsait]

Hello Mr. Hicks, I am currently studying English Literature in Ankara, Turkey. It has been really hard financially for me and I have been looking for a grant for a while now. But you still manage to keep me interested and invested in the rich culture of The English to keep me from moving back with my family back in İstanbul. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh my, you're welcome, I'm glad you enjoy the videos.

[@_Kyprioth_]

I just saw your comment by chance. I’m not even English myself, just an ‘offshoot’ of the British so to speak here in Australia 😅 I just wanted to say that I hope you have continued with your studies! I’m sure that your family is very proud of you for doing it! University is very difficult at times and I remember financially struggling and being far from home myself. I just wanted to let you know that you have someone thinking of you and wishing you the best here in Australia!! 💕

[@spunkmaster666]

This is brilliant storytelling. The history of Britain is fascinating, you bring the events to life really well.

[@joeerickson516]

"Never Surrender!" Winston Churchill.✌

[@marcos3ltrv6]

Brilliant and thankyou for the reference to Spanish Ladies, we had to sing that song when I was at school in the 60's but do not recall being told what it was about.

[@thehistorysquad]

It's one of my favourite 'folkey' songs 👍🏻 Thanks for watching

[@jaymac7203]

Isn't that what the Irish guy Quint sang in Jaws? 🤔

[@thehistorysquad]

@@jaymac7203 Yes, it was 😉.....and I think they needed a bigger boat

[@lymb3914]

Wow! What an engaging presentation of history! Such "living history" presentations are among my favorite, and your acting deserves praise; many who try to act out historical persons rarely put so much color into them!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Joel, I'm glad you enjoyed it. 👍🏻

[@frankydman]

Loved the presentation, very well done. I remember learning about the Spanish Armada, and one thing that surprised me was how although the one in 1588 was the “famous” one that we remember, it was, interestingly, also not the only one. Another Armada attacked in 1595; but they only succeeded in causing minor damage to a small village in Cornwall And yet another Armada tried to attack in 1596… only to be wrecked by storms off the Spanish coast and not accomplish anything. It was really eye-opening; there really is so much to learn about history.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for your comment. History is definitely fascinating, that's for sure 👍🏻

[@angelcamachodelsolar]

The Spanish fleet was rebuilt and 3 more armadas were launched against England (1596, 1597 and 1601), all failing by weather. Furthermore, in 1589 the english "armada" was destroyed, losing all the advantage it had gained in 1588, adding the failure of the Drake-Hawkins expedition (1595), and the Essex-Raleigh expedition (1597) and ending up signing peace in the Treaty of London (1604), very favorable to Spain.

[@billflythe4092]

Superb acting Kevin. Francis Drake was certainly an incredible leader and innovator.

[@richardt.4224]

A fine orator indeed, with lots of history knowledge; Thank you.

[@arnopereira3396]

This channel is too underrated ! You deserve well much recognition 👏🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Arno, I appreciate that, and am working on it. Feel free to share any of the vids wherever you see fit and help us spread the word 👍🏻.

[@MZeki-gw2xg]

Excellent video, I remember the special 300th anniversary of the Armada in 1988, Royal Mail issued commemorative postage stamps

[@MZeki-gw2xg]

Sorry 400th anniversary

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Mr. Hicks, you bring us all along with you into history to experience the reality of it all. Salute!

[@LeRoySlim]

YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE TREASURE SIR. I am galloping cheerfully through your entire video collection today - Thank you so kindly for all your EXCELLENT work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers David, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@Ethan-xf4or]

Phenomenal acting.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you!

[@IBurrows2112]

Thank you, Kevin. Your storytelling ability makes learning fun, I'll be sure to tune into many more of your videos!

[@troykurz9615]

Well done, Sir! Great storytellers are a rare find.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly!

[@RTBurke]

Newbies to this channel beware; you can easily find yourself binge watching these.

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

The fact that you didn't have a full acting career is a shame, or theater 🎭 you are amazing at taking on the characters you portray bravo! I became a bigger fan the more I watch.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy, I think all my experiences through my other careers though have helped shape the storyteller in me. 👍🏻

[@jontisdall6248]

How I wish I'd had a teacher such as yourself when I was at school. You conjure up in words, scenes so vivid it's easy to feel that you're recounting experiences first hand. A far cry from my miserably dry history lessons of fifty plus years ago. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome Jon, thanks 👍🏻

[@spooklambert]

I absolutely love this way of telling history !!!... Perfect ... Thankyou

[@jeningle8288]

Brilliant acting, absorbing telling of the tale. More like this please.

[@Swert4hire]

Can’t get enough of this channel, it’s too good. I’m always excited to learn some new history stuff so Keep up the good work!!!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@Zanuth-001]

Wonderful way of telling history, absolutely well done

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening 👍🏻

[@richhughes7450]

It was a great victory but the little known English Armada did just as bad as the Spanish one if I recall. Thanks for that. If only my history teachers was like you. That said, I still came top of class for 3 years running. You are a natural born storyteller Sir.

[@buchgeisterralf3251]

I felt like I was in the first performance of one of shakespears best stage plays - and in the first row! - woaha! Congratulations, Kevin and thanks a lot! Take care!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's very kind, thanks 👍

[@Cappy22279]

Thank you Kevin. I was spellbound by your superb performance. I loved the detail and the passion. Bravo!

[@gr8lady147]

Honestly Kevin, I've been taken back in time just listening to you, I had to remind myself this is 2024. What a great story; you're awesome and beyond compare. Thanks Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks very much!

[@derrikl12]

I can't help but say the experience you have gained over your lifetime has blossomed it to beautiful tapestry in the telling of history. This is enthralling... I hope I can tell stories like you do one day.

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

Wow. That's brilliant, fantastic. I sat riveted to my chair.

[@thehistorysquad]

😃

[@coomr419]

You're a natural story teller

[@mikef6948]

Gosh I love how you tell a story with such enthusiasm . So well articulated that I can literally envision it and sometimes put myself right into the action ! Well done sir , very well done in deed !! 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mike 👍🏻

[@fastcars393]

I must say, you really know how to internalise the characters you portray. Thank you for this amazing channel and its content; God bless you Sir!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@milesbaigent4534]

Fabulous Kevin- Wonderfully described and the history authentically conveyed to the viewer. Well done.

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@levantos]

That was INCREDIBLE. Amazing story telling and informative too. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@godsservant5485]

Outstanding!! As usual for Kevin and the History Squad, these videos are a wonderful history lesson on so many levels for so many historical periods.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@damedavidfrith55]

Wow so a vivid picture you paint ,wonderful

[@oddgnuz3935]

Fascinating! I’m looking forward to your future videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tedgreen6]

Wonderful presentation, sir. We love The History Squad.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly

[@Doro1964]

Spectacular! I felt like a young sailor listening to the tale of my superior

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, that's so nice, thank you 👍🏻

[@jamesshields4346]

I personally love these particular type of your videos, telling stories as if you were there as well as the surgery on the prince, I understand it must be more challenging to make these types of videos but for real! Better than anything I’ve ever seen on history channel or KZbin history! The story really grips me. It’s the most entertained I’ve been in a long time. Keep up the amazing work.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi James, thanks very much. I was commissioned back 15+ years ago to create this series of 5 videos for education. It was fun to do but did take a lot of work. 👍🏻

[@dupeesfashionconsultant4204]

I could binge watch this channel all day

[@peacefrogx5143]

Wow that was great. Slowly working my way through the older videos. Love this piece of history and enjoyed the portrayal of a Tar. Thumbs up Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@peterkost4376]

Kevin this was excellent! Can't believe I hadn't seen it before

[@z_monty]

So glad KZbin recommended this channel, spectacular performance!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@AngryBulldogg]

Im the same. Got a totally random KZbin recommendation on a young Henry V with a slight arrow problem, now im subscribed and hooked. Thanks historysquad

[@corystreat7605]

Well! That was a MASTER PIECE!!!! Thank you for sharing that!!! You make history and learning fun.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@liranzaidman1610]

Amazing acting. War is a terrible thing, but it is always good to be on the winning side

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Wow the way you tell stories are absolutely marvellous 👏 Kevin wonderful performance, please do many many more 🙏 😀

[@TEXASREDD76]

Absolutely amazing video and very immersive

[@chrisworthen1538]

Brilliant bit of work!

[@hoffenwurdig1356]

It is very important to remember Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. Amazing person, very brilliant. His contributions were, in their own way, just as important as those of Drake himself.

[@Lilyandmoomin]

This was a brilliant video, you could envisage the whole battle just with the actors oration. And with the camera showing the equipment and style of dress you had an idea of what equipment was used.

[@misser00]

I love this way of listening to history!!! 😍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Misser 👍🏻

[@ianhumphries5063]

Absolutely brilliant, bravo!

[@bostonrailfan2427]

the simple act of sacrificing deck space for better gun arming and firing is something big: it showed that you can’t just lash guns onto a ship, you need to maintain your guns alongside shooting them. a gun is useless if it can’t fire! you mastered this sailor’s story. it really was his words coming out of your mouth, as if his spirit possessed you for the video

[@travistaylor3186]

This was stunningly well done.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Travis 👍🏻

[@keving1318]

Bravo! So very well done! You are a master storyteller, Mr. Hicks!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks Kevin, I very much enjoyed this video, I am familiar with the history and some of the tactics employed by our British Tars, but never have I heard it brought to life in such detail. Thank you once again, for your time and attention to this comment, as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much, this was a younger me! 👍🏻

[@boblake2340]

You deserve some sort of award for these monologs. They are masterful and captivating!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Bob

[@jannerkev]

Brilliantly put. 👏

[@andreasschmidt3430]

Love your acting ! And really well done! You’re bringing history right to life … more than happy to leave you a subscription.. looking forward to seeing more .. cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@jackf1830]

This was incredible, thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're very welcome!

[@MDMB53]

Outstanding! I've just discovered your channel, and I am enjoying it very much. Thanks.

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome, thank you & welcome. There’s plenty to catch up on 👍

[@KibuFox]

I seriously think that this isn't a retelling of history. That instead, he's some immortal who's just telling us of our experiences.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@michaelmcatee221]

Incredible! Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you liked it!

[@Ryan-mr3zf]

absolutely amazing! Thank you for all the top notch content, love from massachusetts

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!

[@shazam3218]

What a wow wonderful presentation. Most enjoyable.

[@alexbooyse9053]

Excellent narrative. Put a smile on my face

[@terryoneill9525]

i enjoyed this 100 per cent thank you master gunner

[@bmartin7961]

Wonderfully done, thank you :)

[@rikijett310]

Absolutely outstanding way to teach history!! Love this!!! 👍👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@samright4661]

Wow that was Amazing!! The Acting was phenomenal!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Sam 👍🏻

[@samright4661]

@@thehistorysquad So you’re a Actor, Historian and a Bow men? You Sir are a Nation Treasure..

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Well done sir. Very believable performance.

[@elaineknapton8316]

Cheers Sir, another great video,expertly narrated,thanks Mr HICKS......will

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet, cheers!

[@danletlow9362]

outstanding presentation!

[@PhinAI]

Wow! This gentleman is a great actor and storyteller. He's definitely one of the very best on this channel! I hope he gets to participate in many more videos to come.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, you haven't noticed I'm only in most of them 😜

[@busternineshoes]

Brilliant again, Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dale 👍🏻

[@OliverClothesofff]

This ones a goodn'! Thank you my friend

[@bensnide5846]

Top notch story telling. Although not really a story so much, as a telling of history. Kept me totally engaged from beginning to end, which is easier said than done. Please keep up the lost art you are so good at sir. Thank you very much for taking all the time to do what you do.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Ben, I appreciate your kind words.

[@katthompson3852]

Thank was really illustrative. Thank you :)

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@harrisonstaley7742]

You're a really good actor, Kevin.

[@robertcorradi8573]

Kevin ... Just brilliant. Superb .

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@samuellambe1568]

Would love a video on this on napoleons retreat from Moscow in 1812 and le grande armee. Would be cool if you were a grenadier talking about your experiences at Austerlitz, wagram etc.

[@greyareaRK1]

The Adventures of Sir Francis Drake and The Golden Hinde was one my favourite early childhood books. There is much here I didn't know, and I loved the acting.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers John 👍🏻

[@gamer2101]

This is fantastic

[@keithjones668]

What a masterful presentation...!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly!

[@lemoi08]

amazing!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@steveww1507]

awesome job Sir

[@brgrote]

Great job!

[@jackconnelly4525]

Tells a great story!

[@anitageorge9028]

Absolutely love your wonderful shows. Plus your great personality. Thank you from Anita USA

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@ArsainAqui]

This is awesome!

[@BSAtunning]

Thank you!

[@blueneeson9888]

Thanks for This Brilliant Video From Blue