Why Did Queen Elizabeth Treat Her Navy So Badly After Defeating the Spanish Armada?

Often overlooked in discussions of Queen Elizabeth I's reign is the treatment of her navy in the years following her historic triumph over the Spanish Armada in 1588. It might not be widely known that, in those days, naval crews were entitled to a share of prizes won from captured ships—often referred to as prize money. This money was divided between the crown and the crew, reflecting a system designed to incentivize bravery and loyalty. However, despite this incentive, naval crews faced dire conditions that led to a significant loss of life due to a condition called scurvy. This article delves into the reasons behind the queen’s treatment of her navy and explores the role of prize money and scurvy in shaping naval policy.

Prize Money: Incentives and Discontent

After the victory over the Spanish Armada, the navy that had secured this remarkable triumph consisted of highly trained and experienced crews who had pledged their service in exchange for a fair share of the spoils. According to historian David Starkey, the system of prize money was designed to reward sailors with a portion of the valuable goods recovered from captured Spanish galleons and merchant ships. Although this practice aimed to motivate sailors, it also led to discontent and ongoing friction.

The sharing of prize money, while nominally generous, was not always fair. So, while the notion of sharing in the spoils may have initially fueled the crew's resolve, the rigors of long voyages often diluted their reward. In reality, the money allocated to each sailor did not always match their contribution, leading to grumblings among the ranks and, ultimately, to dissatisfaction with their treatment by the crown.

Long Voyages and Scurvy

One of the most significant contributors to the poor treatment of the navy was the scourge of scurvy. Scurvy is a severe condition caused by a lack of vitamin C, primarily associated with long voyages with poor dietary provisions. It is estimated that scurvy was the leading cause of death for sailors in the 16th century, often decimating vast numbers of the crew.

Historical records indicate that during long voyages, sailors were subjected to cramped and unsanitary conditions, leading to a deficiency in essential nutrients, including vitamin C, which is crucial for preventing scurvy. The lack of fresh fruits and vegetables on long sea voyages meant that many sailors were left vulnerable to this debilitating condition.

The long and arduous campaigns, particularly during the campaign against the Spanish Armada, pushed the navy to its limits. Men were kept at sea for extended periods, often without adequate botanical foods that would have minimized the risk of scurvy. The conditions were exacerbated by the storage and preservation methods of the time, which made it nearly impossible to provide a diet rich in vitamin C.

The Treaty of Nantes and Naval Demands

In 1589, the Treaty of Nantes was signed, providing a peace agreement between England and Spain. However, this victory was short-lived, with renewed hostilities breaking out. The Queen's demands for naval support to counter the Spanish Armada resulted in significant demands placed on the navy, which heavily taxed their resources. According to historian Sophie Steel, the Queen’s demands for more ships and prolonged campaigns left the navy stretched thin and ill-prepared to handle the rigors of the open sea.

Further exacerbating the situation was the Queen's reluctance to provide sufficient provisions and support for the sailors. Despite the success of the Spanish Armada campaign, there was a notable lack of recognition and support from the Crown. This failure to provide adequate supplies and provisions created resentment and discontent among the sailors, who saw their contributions as undervalued and their conditions harsh.

Conclusion and Historical Reflections

In conclusion, the treatment of Queen Elizabeth's navy after the defeat of the Spanish Armada was complex and multifaceted. The combination of the system of prize money, the perils of long voyages, and the prevalence of scurvy all contributed to the poor treatment and high mortality rate among naval personnel. While the notion of sharing in the spoils of victory aimed to motivate the crews, the harsh realities of naval life and the lack of support from the crown took a significant toll.

As we reflect on the storied history of Elizabeth I and the Anglo-Spanish conflict, it is essential to remember the contributions of the brave sailors who fought and died in the cause of their queen. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by 16th-century seamen and the importance of proper care and support for military personnel.

Keywords: Queen Elizabeth, Navy Treatment, Scurvy, Prize Money, Spanish Armada