One of the earliest stories involving Mullion Cove revolves around an important event which took place in Mount's Bay during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. In August 1588 the invading Spanish Armada had been first spotted from the Rill on the Lizard Peninsula. After the battle relations with Spain continued to be poor. On the south coasts of England and Cornwall there continued many marine engagements with the enemy. However, in July 1595 a large Spanish expedition of over a hundred ships sailed towards Cornwall. By mid July it was stationed between Falmouth and Penzance. While a larger fleet stood off in Mount's Bay, 4 Spanish galleys were sent on a mission and arrived out of the fog near Mousehole. Without warning they invaded several villages, setting fire to houses and public buildings before killing many of the occupants. They attacked Mousehole, Paul, Newlyn and Penzance. The Anglican Church at Paul was burnt to the ground. Two hundred armed Spaniards landed from the galleys and spent two days plundering the area. They faced little resistance but were short of water. The small fleet sailed on following the Lizard Coast, and a welcome change in the direction of the wind allowed them to escape the gathering English ships led by Sir Francis Drake. This was the first time in hundreds of years that England had been invaded.