A short Explanation and Account of what is contained in each of the ten Tapestry-Plates, and the ten Charts.
The [first Plate] of the Tapestry and [Chart I]. represent the Spanish Fleet coming up the Channel, opposite to the Lizard, as it was first discovered. See Account of the Spanish Invasion, p. 12, 13.
[Plate II]. and [Chart II]. The Spanish Fleet against Fowey, drawn up in the Form of a Half Moon, and the English Fleet pursuing them. Account, &c. p. 13.
[Plate III]. and [Chart III]. At the left Hand Corner is represented the first Engagement between the Spanish and English Fleets: After which the English give Chace to the Spaniards, who draw themselves up into a Roundel. Account, &c. ibid.
[Plate IV]. and [Chart IV]. De Valdez’s Galleon springs her Foremast, and is taken by Sir Francis Drake. The Lord-Admiral with the Bear and Mary Rose, pursue the Enemy, who are in the Form of a Half Moon. Account, &c. p. 13, 14.
[Plate V]. and [Chart V]. The Admiral of the Guypuscoan Squadron being set on Fire, is taken by the English. The rest of the Spanish Fleet continue their Course in the Form of a Half Moon: And when both Fleets were against the Isle of Portland, they come to an Engagement. Account, &c. p. 14.
[Plate VI]. and [Chart VI]. Some English Ships attack the Spanish Fleet to the Westward. The Spaniards draw themselves into a Roundel: And afterwards keeping on their Course, are followed by the English. Account, &c. p. 14, 15.
[Plate VII]. and [Chart VII]. Represent the sharpest Engagement that happen’d between the two Fleets, on July 25, against the Isle of Wight. Account, &c. p. 15.
In [Plate VIII]. and [Chart VIII]. the Spanish Fleet is seen sailing up the Channel, intending to stop at Dunkirk or Calais, where they were to be join’d by the Duke of Parma: The English follow them close. Account, &c. p. 16.
[Plate IX]. and [Chart IX]. The Spaniards come to an Anchor before Calais, from whence they are dislodg’d by the Fireships sent amongst them in the Night: The English prepare to pursue them. Account, &c. p. 16, 17.
[Plate X]. and [Chart X]. The Spaniards make the best of their way for the Northern Seas; and are, in the mean time, very much battered by the English, who closely pursue them. The chief Galleass is stranded near Calais. Account, &c. p. 17, 18, 19.
The Reader is desired to observe, that the Border in Plate [II], [IV], [VI], [VIII], [X], is an exact Representation of the Border to the Tapestry-Hangings, which is ornamented with the Portraits of the principal Commanders; and is the same in all the Pieces of the Tapestry; only the Heads are differently placed. But for more Variety, and in order to bring in the Heads of Sir Robert Carey, the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Roger Townshend, and Sir Thomas Gerard, another Border has been contrived, being that which is round Plate [I], [III], [V], [VII], [IX].
We are inform’d by Joachim de Sandrart[[143]], that the Designs of the Tapestry were made by Henry Cornelius Vroom, a famous Painter of Harlem, eminent for his great Skill in drawing all Sorts of Shipping; and that it was Wove by Francis Spiring.