San Felipe. Spanish Man-of-War Model Ship

Dimensions 63(L)  x 14(W) x 67(H) cms excluding bowsprit.

This Spanish ship was launched in 1690 and was one of the most beautiful ships of its time.  She led the Spanish Armada and her role in the war against the British and French was to protect Spanish settlements and harbours as well as transporting gold from the New World.  The San Felipe was armed with 96 cannon - enough firepower to match the British or French Navy. 

The San Felipe sank in 1705.  She had fought a heroic battle with 35 British ships, but was captured and badly damaged.  She sank to the ocean floor with several tons of gold on board.