The island played a role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Spanish fleet was not able to be supported by deep water ports along the continental side of the English Channel. The Duke of Parma had occupied Antwerp, a deep water port. However, access to this port was blocked by Dutch rebels and English fighters who occupied Walcheren. As a result, the armada could not be resupplied nor could it seek shelter at Antwerp. Facing dwindling supplies, Admiral Medina-Sedonia fled northward, ending the threat to the English.
The island played a role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 The Spanish fleet was not able to be supported by deep water ports along the continental side of the English Channel The Duke of Parma had occupied Antwerp a deep water port However access to this port was blocked by Dutch rebels and English fighters who occupied Walcheren As a result the armada could not be resupplied nor could it seek shelter at Antwerp Facing dwindling supplies Admiral Medina-Sedonia fled northward ending the threat to the English