Spanish Armada Plate
Artifact ID1988.00389.01
Object Type
Plate, Commemorative
Date
16th century (original), 1988 (replica)
Medium
Metal (silver)
Dimensions1 1/2 × 10 in. (3.8 × 25.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionA silver plate that is a replica of one captured from the Spanish Armada in the 16th century. The plate has silver hallmarks on it and is engraved “Presented to PRESIDENT REAGAN on the occasion of his visit to Great Britain 2 June 1988 by the Rt. Hon. MARGARET THATCHER MP” around the edge.Historical NoteA replica of the original created for Queen Elizabeth I from silver from the Spanish Armada, this bowl was given to President Reagan during a dinner at 10 Downing Street on his visit to Great Britain in June 1988.
The attack of the Spanish Armada was part of a planned invasion of England in 1588 by King Philip II of Spain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Spain had the largest fleet in Europe and outnumbered the English fleet, but the English ships repelled the invasion.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/CultureEnglandUnited KingdomPlace MadeEnglandIn Collection(s)
Related Exhibits
Exhibition HistoryReagan and Thatcher: The Friendship that Changed the World (2019), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library;
Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: Their Special Relationship (2013-2014), National Churchill Museum;
Tribute to Baroness Margaret Thatcher (2013), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Related LinksReagan and Friends: Margaret Thatcher