Kentish Knock's consequences extended beyond the Channel because the Commonwealth had ships pinned down in the Mediterranean. Richard Badiley's eight vessels were meant to combine with Henry Appleton's six, four of which were hired merchantmen blockaded at Leghorn by sixteen Dutch ships. Appleton sailed prematurely, before Badiley could support him, and three ships were captured. The defeat gave the Dutch command of the Mediterranean and placed English Levant trade at their mercy, demonstrating the global commercial cost of dividing the fleet after an incomplete victory.
Chapter · 3:08:15-3:10:47
Leghorn turns fleet dispersion into a Mediterranean defeat
The squadron detached after Kentish Knock failed to unite with the ships trapped at Leghorn, allowing the Dutch to seize command of Mediterranean trade routes.