Crown of Ardra with accompanying document, 1664. In 1664 the English captured almost all the Dutch forts along the West African coast. In response, the Republic sent a fleet commanded by Michiel de Ruyter. The forts were retaken and a number of English ships were seized. Part of the booty was this crown of gilded copper and cut-glass ornamentation. The English planned to give the crown to the African ruler of Ardra to encourage good trading relations.