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Article: THE CREWS AND THE SHIPS.(Spanish Armada)
- Article from:
- Calliope
- Article date:
- May 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 Carus Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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According to a general muster taken in Lisbon in May 1588, the Armada consisted of 130 ships, 19,295 soldiers, 8,050 sailors, and 2,088 rowers. The fleet was divided into seven squadrons, each with a flagship and a vice-flagship. There were also four galeasses from Naples, a communications unit, and four galleys.
The English, meanwhile, had hastily gathered their forces. In mid-March of 1588, an order to arm 10,000 Londoners had been issued, but there was not enough modern equipment to go around. Many people were given bows and arrows, but they received no instruction in their use. A lifetime's experience was necessary to produce an effective archer. The English ...