u/ThisWeekHistory

56 years ago today, on the 12th August 1970, Paris Saint-Germain FC was formed, following the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain.

PSG won Ligue 2 and achieved promotion to Ligue 1 in their first ever season, but in 1972 the club was split; PSG were relegated to Division 3, whilst Paris FC remained in Ligue 1. However, following immediate back-to-back promotions, PSG were back in the top flight by 1974.

Within 12 years, the club had already one their first two French cups and their first Ligue 1 title, and since then they have gone on to become France’s most successful club, with 14 Ligue 1 titles, 16 Coupes de France, and the past two Champions Leagues.

On this day in 1588, the English fleet delivered a decisive blow against the Spanish Armada during the Battle of Gravelines, off the coast of Flanders. The Armada had sailed from Spain with the aim of supporting an invasion of England, but its progress had already been disrupted by English attacks and difficult weather. Among the English commanders was Sir Francis Drake, who played a prominent role in the campaign and helped lead the English fleet against the Spanish forces.

The battle became a turning point in the campaign. During the night before the main engagement, the English sent fireships towards the tightly packed Spanish fleet, forcing the Spanish ships to scatter and abandon their defensive formation. The following day, English vessels repeatedly attacked at range, inflicting serious damage while avoiding the close-quarters fighting that might have favoured the larger Spanish ships. Drake and the English commanders took advantage of their faster, more manoeuvrable vessels to keep the Spanish under pressure.

The defeat at Gravelines effectively ended Spain's hopes of invading England in 1588. With ammunition running low and their planned rendezvous with the Duke of Parma's army no longer possible, the Spanish commanders were forced to retreat northwards. Storms then caused further losses as the Armada sailed around Scotland and Ireland. The victory became one of the most celebrated events of Elizabethan England, with Francis Drake remembered as one of the leading English figures associated with the defeat of the Spanish Armada.