"Following our encounter with the Spanish fleet on 29 July, God has stricken the enemy with a wonderful fear. The Spanish fleet was followed up the Eastern coast but had to return to port to relieve the wants of water and provisions. The want of powder, shot and victuals has caused us many problems."
Letter from Sir Thomas Fenner, a captain of a ship in the English fleet, to Sir Francis Walsingham, 4 August 1588.
This letter explains why the English fleet did not continue to chase the Spanish Armada once it had passed Newcastle.
After the Battle of Gravelines the Armada was forced to escape by sailing up the eastern side of Britain. They were chased by the English fleet but the chase had to be stopped because of a lack of provisions and ammunition for the cannons.