Elizabeth’s Sea Dogs and their War Against Spain (Paperback)
Pages: 176
Illustrations: 16 black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781526797537
Published: 28th February 2026
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The Sea Dogs were seafaring merchantmen who originally traded mainly with Holland and France. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, however, they began to spread their reach, sailing further and further afield exploring and plundering. The main source of wealth quickly became the Caribbean, which, until then, had been predominantly the domain of wealthy Catholic Spain.
The first man to trade with the Spanish Main was John Hawkins, who travelled to West Africa, captured the natives and transported them to the Caribbean. There he sold them to plantation owners in exchange for goods such as pearls, hides and spices. He made three voyages and on the disastrous last he took his cousin, Francis Drake.
The backers, including the Queen, were satisfied with the bounty but encouraged the Sea Dogs to seek greater riches. England at that time was a relatively impoverished country compared with Spain. Elizabeth had inherited a high cost of inflation, poor harvests and a legacy of poverty from Edward VI and Mary Tudor. This was a time of religious tension with King Philip of Spain, whose marriage to Mary Tudor gave him the right to rule England. The rift between the Catholics and Protestants was cooled somewhat by Elizabeth’s keeping the peace between the two countries, despite the continuing campaigns of the privateers crewed by the Sea Dogs.
The main thorn in the Spanish side was Francis Drake. Despite efforts to kill or capture him, he continued to plunder the high seas, bringing back Spanish riches to England. This allowed the Queen to flourish. It was thanks in main to the privateering exploits of the Sea Dogs that England became so wealthy, paving the way for the Renaissance that followed.
Featured by
Stephen Ede-Borrett, The Pike and Shot Society
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Heather Michael
This was absolutely fascinating! I highly recommend it if you are into that historical period. Very informative.
Featured in
Military Heritage, Summer 2021
The book, published by Frontline, turns out to be pleasant because in addition to the most famous names, in the chapter "Military Elizabethan" it also reports minor names from this epic period. Surely it will not be missing on the shelves of enthusiasts and historians of the Tudor period and those of sea stories.
Omne Ignotum Pro Magnifico
Read the full Italian review here
This book is ideal for someone unfamiliar with the history of these times or the ways of the sea. Much of England’s post-medieval history is clearly told, such as the court intrigue and different people trying to ascend to the English throne. Anyone interested in this era or the early Age of Sail should consider this the perfect introduction to read before England’s enemies shift to the Dutch and French.
Pirates and Privateers
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Overall this is a succesful history of these men, acknowledging both their successes and their failures, most notably their involvement in the slave trade. Quite a few of them emerge as eccentric at best, and one or two come across as quite mad, something that doesn’t come across in more old fashioned books on this topic.
History of War
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This was a well written overview of a fascinating period of history in which the author explores the nuances of the period and the methods of the “Sea Dogs”.
World Ship Society - Marine News
Article: ‘Historian on course for 16th book’, words by Chris Harby
Rutland Times and Stamford Mercury, March 2021
Every reader will get something from this book which provokes interest; for me it was the chapter on Military Elizabethans, the men who fought on land and sea.
Clash of Steel
The text is complemented with some appropriate illustrations and a brief bibliography.
We commend this book as one to settle down with and enjoy.
Read the full review here
It is a great read and one that would be useful for any wargammers looking to fight the sea battles of the period.
Medieval Sword School
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Bru Ships Youtube Channel
I really enjoyed this book! Of all the British monarchs, I probably know the most about Elizabeth I, but I definitely don't know much about her. Her "sea dogs" was so fun to learn about!... This was so full of personal accounts and military records, that it really brought life to the stories and people involved. Loved the variety of sources used!
NetGalley, Brittany Jenkins
I thoroughly enjoyed diving into the depths of the adventures of these men, their successes and failures and learning why some of them are still well known names today. I have learnt alot, not just about the men involved but also the development of ships, the Royal Navy and why Elizabeth’s Sea Dogs were feared by their enemies.
NetGalley, Amy McElroy
For anyone with an interest in the Armada, this is fascinating but I would also recommend to anyone with an interest in the Elizabethan era. This book is clearly the result of much research.
The bibliography has provided me with more reading I'll be adding to my list.
This was a well written, engaging look at a fascinating period of history. Best does an excellent job of keeping the material detailed without becoming too dry as he explores the nuances of the period, the methods of the Sea Dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this book.
NetGalley, Rowena Andrews
An interesting read on a turbulent time in England’s history. The stories about the various captains and their adventures were compelling and a great read. I learned quite a bit about this and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
NetGalley, Ron Baumer
About Brian Best
BRIAN BEST has an honours degree in South African History and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was the founder of the Victoria Cross Society and edited its Journal for many years. Brian also lectures about the Victoria Cross and War Art. He is married and lives in Rutland.
Francis Drake knighted by Queen Elizabeth I
4th April 1581
Francis Drake knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard 'Golden Hind' at Deptford, England
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