The naval battle off the coast of Lowestoft was a key encounter during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, which had broken out in 1665 primarily over trade disputes and colonial conflicts. James Stuart, Duke of York, who would later ascend to the throne as King James II, commanded the English fleet. The engagement signified one of the early large-scale confrontations in this conflict, where England sought to establish its dominance over the Dutch, who had previously been the preeminent naval power.

The battle commenced on the morning of June 3, 1665, as the English fleet engaged the Dutch ships. The Duke of York’s fleet utilized tactics that capitalized on their superior training and discipline. The outcome was favorable for the English, with the Dutch losing multiple ships and manpower. Notably, the victory was celebrated across England, enhancing public support for the war and solidifying Duke James's reputation as a capable naval officer. This battle also included the involvement of prominent captains such as Robert Holmes, who played critical roles in the engagement.

The aftermath of the battle helped shape naval strategy in the years to come, influencing ship design and naval tactics. It marked a clear shift in the balance of naval power during a period characterized by intense rivalry between England and the Dutch Republic. The victory off Lowestoft demonstrated the effectiveness of national fleets, thus altering the course of naval warfare significantly in favor of England.