INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH TENEBIFFE. 35 
The town of Santa Cruz is famous in our naval 
history. On the 20th April 1657, Admiral Robert 
Blake attacked and utterly destroyed the Spanish 
fleet, strongly placed under the batteries, and, aided 
by a sudden shift of the wind, was able to draw his 
ships off with comparatively little loss. 
It was here also that Nelson (July 24, 1797) under- 
took his expedition against Teneriffe, which, although 
unsuccessful and disastrous, displayed great heroism 
and bravery. The two flags captured on this oc- 
casion are retained in the church, and the inhabitants 
still bear in mind the attack and repulse relating to 
their capture. 
