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But same as her sister she also faced many revolts like the serious one in 1601 which led to great financial losses for her. Drake started his voyage in 1577, in search of Australia, he did not find it, but got a lot of wealth by looting the Spanish processions in the Pacific and cargoes of spices. He was the first Briton to sail across the world.

Eventually it led to a full fledged war between Britain and Spain. King Philip of Spain assembled the largest fleet the world had ever seen and set it for sail against the heretical Britains.

His aim was to conquer and/or loot Britain in 1588, but the British vessels tried hard to stop him and he reached Calais and anchored there. English fire ships were sent firing making him retreat and the Spanish Armada went north of Scotland and the Irish coast.  Unfortunately for the Spanish (not for the English) the entire fleet of ships and 20,000 men vanished without trace, humiliating Spain in the eyes of the world. So much so that they never tried it again.

The Spanish wars had cost Britain lots of money and Elizabeth had to go begging for more money to the English Parliament which got them angry at the Royal Charters that she had granted to her favorites and she gave them a humble “Golden Speech” that made the parliament realize their mistake.

After some time she fell ill and also she lost to the rebels of Ireland, distorting her health further and as she had no successor, and when she was on her death bed she chose James Stuart, The King of Scotland as the next successor to the English Crown.

When she died, Queen Elizabeth 1 was £400,000 in debt.

About the author: This glimpse of British History is offered to you by Dave Young on behalf of London Coach Rental. For your London mini bus rental call +447961659814.