The Portencross Armada Conspiracy: (And How the Spanish Landed in Ayrshire)

Almost four hundred and thirty years later, Stephen Brown opens a new chapter in the history of the Spanish Armada.

The identity of the Spanish Armada ship that sank off the coast of Portencross in Ayrshire, Scotland, has been shrouded in myth, mystery and misdirection for over four hundred years.

In this volume, Stephen Brown names that Spanish ship, whilst uncovering conspiratorial plans of the Scottish counter-Reformation that threatened not only the crown of Scotland, but also the very future of the British Isles.

This is an incredible new find that promises many further exploration opportunities.

The author then describes and illustrates the "successful" 1740 salvage operation that saw twenty Armada cannon brought to the surface, shows that ten were destroyed and details where at least five of these remain outdoors on the west of Scotland to this day.

This volume will appeal to those seeking to understand the incredibly volatile society of late sixteenth century Scotland. It finally lays to rest a mystery that has dogged the community of Portencross for many, many years and outlines a major new national find that will stimulate and excite historians, archaeologists and naval explorers alike.

Contents:
Chapter 1 - Naming The Ship
In which, after four hundred and twenty seven years, the author reveals the name of the Armada ship that sank at Portencross.

Chapter 2 - The Rosario
The story behind the sinking, and revealing the secret plan of the Spanish diplomats and military men who landed in Ayrshire, and who would seek the support of King James VI against the English.

Chapter 3 - The Portencross Wreck
The detailed story of the sinking of the ship, and who may have been aboard

Chapter 4 - The Conspiracy
In which the author details the counter-Reformation conspiracy plans afoot.

Chapter 5 - The 1740 Salvage
A detailed look at the subsequent salvage of twenty Armada cannon from the wreck, how they did it, and who

Chapter 6 - The Cannons
We learn of the ten broke cannon that were melted down, the five that are missing, and the five that still can be seen lying outside on the west coast of Scotland, locations supplied

Chapter 7 - Conclusion
The conclusions we may draw from the events outlined

Appendix I - Soldiers and Sailors
The proof that the ship identified is the one at Portencross

Appendix II - The Major Conspirators
Who was behind the counter-Reformation conspiracy

Appendix III - Semple in "The Scotsman"
An article that appeared in the paper in 1896 that put one of the main conspirators in a glowing light

Appendix IV - The Minor Conspirators
Others who were probably involved in this plot

Appendix V - Captain Jacob Roe
A short biography of the unscrupulous character that "disappeared" the cannons

This is a new exciting work, opening a new chapter in the history of the Armada, and showing the story behind attempts at enlisting the support of King James VI to subdue the English with the support of the Spanish. If he refused, would the Scottish counter-Reformation have overthrown the King and returned Scotland to the Roman faith? The failure of the Armada and the prompt arrest of the conspirators ensured the history we know today.

Cover Image By Peter Ribbeck www.PeterRibbeck.com