Armada

In 1588 Philip II of Spain sent his Armada fleet consisting of 130 ships to punish England for it’s support of the Dutch Protestants and for plundering Spanish possessions in America and Cadiz. He was granted a papal licence to depose “the dragon of heresy”, the English Queen Elizabeth 1st. 600 priests and monks sailed with the sailors and soldiers, who were forbidden to gamble, swear or bring prostitutes on board. The Spanish believed that God was on their side but the English also believed they had divine help and in addition better ships. A torrential storm in the English Channel wrecks Philip’s plans.
The following year in England, the Roman Catholic Philip Howard was accused of treason having reputedly prayed for the success of the Spanish Armada. Despite the obvious fabrication of the story he was found guilty, though his life was spared as the courts decided that a prayer cannot be construed as treason. Howard died in prison heartbroken at being refused visits by his wife and young son.