MARÍA PITA On 4 May 1589 an English fleet under the orders of Sir Francis Drake sailed into the bay of La Coruña to attack the city in reply to the Great Armada that one year before had tried to invade England.
The English found themselves face to face with a small town defended by medieval walls and a few soldiers. The difference in numbers between attackers and defenders was made up for by the heroism of the latter, whose stubborn resistance saved the city from falling into English hands.
According to the chronicles of the time, it was the providential part played by María Pita that saved the city, killing the standard bearer just when he was about to climb over the walls. She thus acquired fame and became a historical symbol of La Coruña.
Thank you Cardhu! I love history...might need some explanation why killing a standard bearer was significant.