The Elizabeth Jonas of 1559 was a pioneering large English galleon, constructed at Woolwich Dockyard between 1557 and her launch in July 1559. With a keel laid in 1557, she was designed to carry approximately 800 tons burthen, intended as a successor to the lost Henry Grace à Dieu ("Great Harry"). Originally planned to be named Edward in honor of Edward VI, she was renamed Elizabeth Jonas upon Elizabeth I’s accession, reportedly by the Queen herself, symbolizing divine preservation akin to the biblical prophet Jonah. This vessel was a square-rigged galleon with four masts, including two lateen-rigged mizzenmasts, reflecting the innovative rigging of the period. Her design marked her as the first large English galleon, embodying the evolving naval architecture aimed at both warfare and display of maritime power. Elizabeth Jonas played a significant role in naval history, notably serving under Sir Robert Southwell during the pivotal Battle of the Spanish Armada in 1588. In 1597-98, she was rebuilt as a razee galleon, a process that involved removing her upper decks to improve her firepower and seaworthiness. Although she was planned to participate in the 1598 launch at Woolwich, she ultimately did not. The ship’s prominence extended beyond combat; on 5 August 1606, she hosted a royal dinner aboard at Upnor Castle, attended by James VI and I, Queen Anne of Denmark, their son Henry, and Christian IV of Denmark, marking her as a vessel of state and prestige. During this event, she was moored alongside the White Bear, connected by a bridge, with a third ship serving as a kitchen, highlighting her role in royal entertainment. By the early 17th century, Elizabeth Jonas was listed among the Navy’s Ships Royal, denoting her status among the largest and most prestigious vessels. However, by 1618, after years of inactivity and deterioration, she was deemed unserviceable and was broken up for scrap at Woolwich Dockyard, ending her significant naval career.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.