Admiral Robert Blake In 1657, Admiral Robert Blake destroyed a Spanish treasure fleet in a daring raid at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. © The Print Collector—Hulton Archive/Getty Images (more) Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife European history [1657] Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Print Cite verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style MLA APA Chicago Manual of Style Copy Citation Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Santa-Cruz-de-Tenerife Feedback Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Jacob F. Field Jacob F. Field is an early modern historian based at the University of Cambridge. Jacob F. Field Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Nov 15, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Quick Facts Date: April 20, 1657 (Show more) Location: Canary Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain (Show more) Participants: Protectorate Spain England (Show more) Key People: Robert Blake Oliver Cromwell (Show more) See all related content In 1654 Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the republican Commonwealth, declared war on Spain, unleashing English fleets to attack Spanish shipping and colonies in the Caribbean and Atlantic. On April 20, 1657, Admiral Robert Blake destroyed a Spanish treasure fleet in a daring raid at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

　　In spring 1657, Blake was blockading the Spanish port of Cadiz when he received news that a fleet carrying silver and gold from the Spanish colonies in the Americas was approaching. Consisting of 17 ships, the fleet docked at Santa Cruz to wait out the blockade. When they became aware of the oncoming threat, the Spanish carried their silver bullion ashore. On April 20, Blake arrived with a fleet of 23 ships. Defending Santa Cruz was a castle and a string of smaller forts, which were all connected with a breastwork manned by musketeers.

　　Britannica Quiz A History of War Blake sent 12 ships under Vice Admiral Richard Stayner to attack the Spanish fleet. Blake was to attack the fortifications and provide covering fire. Stayner sailed into the harbor and anchored with his broadside facing close to the Spanish. He was able to destroy 12 of the Spanish ships, including the flagship of Spanish Admiral Diego de Egues. and capture five, which he intended to tow away as prizes. As the English were under heavy fire from the fortifications and having difficulty maneuvering because of the winds, Blake ordered that the five captured ships instead be destroyed. When the tide turned, the English fleet was able to drift out of Santa Cruz to safety. Even though he had failed to capture the treasure, Blake was hailed as a hero in England and was awarded the same honors that Parliament had bestowed on Sir Thomas Fairfax after the Battle of Naseby, but Blake died four months later on his way home. Stayner was knighted for his role in the battle. Lacking a fleet, the Spanish, already low on funds to finance their war effort, were now unable to transport their treasure from the Canary Islands to Spain.