Andy Oakley

Now that's got me thinking about safety of the homeland. I learnt two interesting things about the Spanish Armada of 1588 this week.

1. The British long-barrel cannons called culverin or snake fired shot faster than the speed of sound. Don't get in the way.
2. The beacons used for the single message of 'I see them!' were effective, carrying the message from Plymouth to Carlisle in probably 40 minutes. I figure that's about 600mph.

Ah the joys of the History Channel.