Mortlake tapestry woven with wool warps, wool and silk wefts. The tapestry depicts the burning of the 'Royal James' (flagship of the Earl of Sandwich) at the battle of Solebay, 28 May 1672. The arms of the Walpole family (after 1720) are inserted in the border of cherubs and sea creatures. This is one of six tapestries woven after designs by William van de Velde, the Elder, with the first three of the set in the Royal Collections.