John Hopkins

His crewmates are armed with a variety of weapons, swords, pikes, and even a pistol.

But once the boat bumps against the hull of the target vessel, the only pieces of equipment that matter for now are the grappling irons.

The splayed metal hooks are thrown high, biting into the bulwarks above.

The topman grasps one of the ropes snaking down and begins to climb, gripping his dagger in his teeth.

But once he's swung himself over and onto the deck, it quickly becomes apparent that the other crew is unarmed.

They immediately surrender.

With the merchant crew now guarded, the top man heads into the bowels of the ship.

He finds the hold filled to the brim with provisions.

Barrels of salted beef and fish, fresh water and beer, dried ship's biscuits, even some Spanish wine.

Hauling the cargo up onto deck, he glances out across the bay.

One of the merchant ships is already on fire, clearly having already been emptied of its cargo.

As per Drake's order, the entire harbor will soon be ablaze.

Whatever the Spanish king is planning, they have surely struck a devastating blow against him today.

Drake's raid on Cadiz remains a celebrated moment in English naval history.

He returns to Plymouth in June, having seen with his own eyes the scale and readiness of the Spanish fleet.

Instead of receiving him with praise, however, the pragmatic Elizabeth disavows his actions in Cadiz, still hoping to avoid war with the mighty Spanish Empire.

But with Drake facing no consequences, King Philip is not fooled.

The Spanish press on with their invasion plans and even begin to refer to Drake as the Captain General of the English Navy.

In response to the intelligence gathered, England continues to prepare for war.

But in May, 1588, Drake is summoned to London to be told that Lord Howard has been put in command of the English Navy.