Final answer:
Grenville's choice to not flee Flores was influenced by the hostile environment between England and Spain, where his actions against Spanish ships earned him national hero status in England.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the historical context, Sir Richard Grenville's decision to not flee Flores alongside Lord Howard is tied to the Elizabethan era's intricate socio-political environment and conflicts between England and Spain. Grenville had previously captured a Spanish ship laden with gold, returning to England to find the anti-Spanish sentiment had grown. As a result, his actions against Spanish shipping played well with English public opinion, making him a national hero. This context is crucial in understanding that decisions like Grenville's were heavily influenced by national pride, the promise of riches, and the hostility towards Spain that characterized that period in English history, particularly after the defeat of the Spanish Armada.