Westward Ho! is one of the works of Kingsley’s mid-thirties, and was published in 1855 and was his second historical novel (after Hypatia (1853)). It was inspired by a period of increased patriotism, and is set appropriately for those sentiments in the time of Elizabeth I. Its setting is largely the North Devon port of Bideford Quay from where various adventures to America and against the Spanish take place. Its hero is Amyas Leigh who, after a rebellious childhood, leaves with Captain Francis Drake across the seas for a some time. One of the main storylines concerns Rose Salterne, who every young man in Bideford wishes to marry, as Amyas finds out when he returns. Amyas captures a Spaniard in Ireland but the man escapes with Rose and the English spend much of the novel chasing Rose in a ship named after her to little success. Later adventures include a voyage to the Caribbean where Amyas and others seek gold and meet a Spanish girl called Ayacanora. The summer of 1588 brings the Spanish Armada and a final journey for Amyas takes place and through certain difficulties he finds his true love somewhat unexpectedly.