See more
What did Queen Elizabeth do to Sir Francis Drake?
Despite complaints from the Spanish government about his piracy, Drake was honored as the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and became a popular hero. Several months after his return, Queen Elizabeth personally knighted him aboard the Golden Hind.
Who did Sir Francis Drake die?
On the 27th January 1596, Sir Francis Drake, explorer, sea captain and pirate, died of dysentery in Portobelo harbour, Panama. When he realised that death was near, he asked to be dressed in his armour.
Why was Sir Francis Drake buried at sea?
' The illness was most likely severe dysentery, and on January 28th, 1596, Drake realised his own death was near. He asked to be dressed in his armour, and although he requested burial on land, Drake was buried at sea in a lead coffin.
When did Sir Francis Drake died?
January 28, 1596Francis Drake / Date of deathThey returned to Nombre de Dios, then sailed again; but on January 28th, 1596, Drake died at sea off Porto Bello. He was buried in the waters of the Caribbean, the scene of many of his most daring exploits, the next day, in a lead coffin.
Where did the Golden Hind sink?
The 102-foot vessel, a tourist attraction in the south England port of Brixham, sank after foundering at the entrance to the Dart River. ″She didn't strike anything - she just started taking in water and sank.
Did Sir Francis Drake have children?
In 1569 Francis married Mary Newman. But she died 12 years later. They had no children. Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman who sailed around the world – he left England in 1577 and arrived home again three years later.
What is Sir Francis Drake's treasure worth?
The total value of the treasure is estimated to be the equivalent of around £480 million in todays terms. Drake Viewing Treasure Taken From a Spanish Ship. Engraving by Friedrich van Hulsen, 1626 of the capture of the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, AKA Cacafuego, the Spanish treasure-ship, by Sir Francis Drake.
Did Sir Francis Drake have a wife?
Elizabeth Sydenhamm. 1585–1596Mary Newmanm. 1569–1581Francis Drake/Wife
Did Francis Drake actually have a ring?
Francis Drake owned a silver, engraved ring, which was worn by his self-proclaimed descendant Nathan Drake, who wore it around his neck by a lanyard. The ring was also a makeshift key to decode Enochian script using the cipher disk.
What was Francis Drake famous for?
Sir Francis Drake is best known for circumnavigating Earth (1577–80), preying on Spanish ships along the way. Later he was credited for his defense of England by raiding Spain's harbour at Cádiz in 1587 and (according to many sources) by disrupting the Spanish Armada in the English Channel with fire ships in 1588.
What is the Golden Hind?
The Golden Hind (or Hinde) was the ship in which Francis Drake made his voyage of circumnavigation in 1577–80. Originally called the Pelican, it was renamed the Golden Hind at Port St Julian, near the entrance to the Straits of Magellan, in 1578.
How did Francis Drake impact the world?
Sir Francis Drake's adventurous life was filled with many accomplishments. He played a major role in the destruction and defeat of the mighty Spanish Armada. This helped England to create a great empire in the New World. He also became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.
How did Sir Francis Bacon die?
He died of a heart attack while vacationing in Spain, according to a statement from his London dealer, Marlborough Fine Art. Mr. Bacon first gained acclaim in 1945, when he exhibited "Three Studies for Figures at the Base of the Crucifixion" at the Lefevre Gallery in London.
Where did Sir Francis Drake die?
Portobelo, PanamaFrancis Drake / Place of deathDuring Sir Francis Drake's final voyage to the Caribbean to raid Spanish possessions, the fleet he commanded was decimated by a fever. He died from fever, or possibly dysentery associated with the condition, at sea on January 28, 1596, near Portobelo, Panama. He was buried at sea, supposedly in a lead coffin.
When did Sir Francis Drake born and died?
Francis DrakeSir Francis DrakeBornc. 1540 Tavistock, Devon, EnglandDied28 January 1596 (aged 55) Portobelo, Colón, PanamaSpousesMary Newman ( m. 1569; died 1581) Elizabeth Sydenham ( m. 1585)Piratical career13 more rows
What is Sir Francis Drake most famous for?
The Famous Voyage: The Circumnavigation of the World, 1577-1580. Drake was noted in his life for one daring feat after another; his greatest was his circumnavigation of the earth, the first after Magellan's. He sailed from Plymouth on Dec. 13, 1577.
What is Sir Francis Drake famous for?
Sir Francis Drake is best known for circumnavigating Earth (1577–80), preying on Spanish ships along the way. Later he was credited for his defense...
What were Sir Francis Drake’s other major achievements?
In addition to circumnavigating the world, Sir Francis Drake is known for making several voyages to the West Indies as a slave trader. He later ser...
How did Sir Francis Drake die?
During Sir Francis Drake’s final voyage to the Caribbean to raid Spanish possessions, the fleet he commanded was decimated by a fever. He died from...
What happened to Francis Drake?
27 January 1596 – The death of Sir Francis Drake. On the 27th January 1596, Sir Francis Drake, explorer, sea captain and pirate, died of dysentery in Portobelo harbour, Panama. When he realised that death was near, he asked to be dressed in his armour. Although he requested burial on land, Drake was buried at sea in a lead coffin, ...
Where was Drake buried?
When he realised that death was near, he asked to be dressed in his armour. Although he requested burial on land, Drake was buried at sea in a lead coffin, along with his second cousin, Admiral Sir John Hawkins. Drake made his first voyage to the New World at the age of around twenty-three, with Hawkins, whose family owned a fleet ...
What was the order of Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Norreys?
In 1589, Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Norreys were given orders to 1) Seek out and destroy any remaining Spanish ships, 2) Help the rebels in Lisbon, Portugal and 3) Take the Azores for England. Unfortunately, 12,000 lives and 20 ships were lost off the Spanish coast.
Why did Drake give Elizabeth a jewel?
Drake presented Elizabeth with a jewel to commemorate his successful circumnavigation. It was from Mexico and was made of enamelled gold decorated with an African diamond, and a ship with an ebony hull. In return, Elizabeth presented Drake with a jewel and a portrait of herself.
What did Elizabeth give Drake?
In return, Elizabeth presented Drake with a jewel and a portrait of herself. In 1585, Drake set sail for the West Indies and the Florida coastline where he did what came naturally to him - plundering.
What was Drake's main goal in 1570?
In 1570 and 1571, Drake undertook two trading voyages to the West Indies, and in 1572 took two ships on a marauding campaign against the Caribbean's Spanish ports. Drake was able to capture the port of Nombre de Dios and return to England, his ships laden with Spanish booty. In 1573 Drake attacked a mule train with the help of Guillaume Le Testu, ...
How many ships were lost on the Drake voyage?
Unfortunately, 12,000 lives and 20 ships were lost off the Spanish coast. Drake's final voyage to the West Indies and South America was a bit of a disaster. He failed to take the port of Las Palmas, and also San Juan in Puerto Rico.
What did Drake die of?
As a vice admiral, he was second-in-command of the English fleet in the victorious battle against the Spanish Armada in 1588. After unsuccessfully attacking San Juan, Puerto Rico, he died of dysentery in January 1596.
Who was Francis Drake?
Sir Francis Drake ( c. 1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer, sea captain, privateer, slave trader, naval officer, and politician. Drake is best known for his circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580.
Why did Drake bury his treasure?
Further north in Chile a tale says that because Drake feared falling prisoner to the Spanish he buried his treasure near Arica , these being one of many Chilean stories about entierros ("burrowings").
What was Drake's first major enterprise?
In 1572, Drake embarked on his first major independent enterprise. He planned an attack on the Isthmus of Panama, known to the Spanish as Tierra Firme and the English as the Spanish Main. This was the point at which the silver and gold treasure of Peru had to be landed and sent overland to the Caribbean Sea, where galleons from Spain would pick it up at the town of Nombre de Dios. Drake left Plymouth on 24 May 1572, with a crew of 73 men in two small vessels, the Pascha (70 tons) and the Swan (25 tons), to capture Nombre de Dios.
How many barrels did Drake make?
Drake estimated that he captured around 1600–1700 tons of barrel staves, enough to make 25,000 to 30,000 barrels (4,800 m 3) for containing provisions.
How much gold did Drake find?
Aboard Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, Drake found 36 kilograms (80 lb) of gold, a golden crucifix, jewels, 13 chests full of royals of plate and 26 thousand kilograms (26 long tons) of silver.
Why was the Drake family named after Francis Russell?
Because of religious persecution during the Prayer Book Rebellion in 1549 , the Drake family fled from Devon to Kent. There Drake's father obtained an appointment to minister the men in the King's Navy.
What is Sir Francis Drake's life?
Contents. Sir Francis Drake’s Early Life and Hatred for Spain. Sir Francis Drake: Privateer for the British Crown. Sir Francis Drake Circumnavigates the Globe. Sir Francis Drake: Defeat of the Spanish Armada, Later Years and Death. Sir Francis Drake participated in some of the earliest English slaving voyages to Africa and earned a reputation ...
Where was Francis Drake buried?
Did you know? When he died off the coast of Panama in 1596, Sir Francis Drake was buried at sea, wearing full armor and encased in a lead-lined coffin. Divers, treasure hunters and Drake enthusiasts continue to search for his final resting place.
What happened to Drake in 1596?
The expedition proved to be a dismal failure: Spain fended off the English attacks, and Drake came down with fever and dysentery. He died in late January 1596 at age 55 off the coast of Puerto Bello (now Portobelo, Panama).
What did Drake do to the Spanish?
In 1585, with hostilities heating up again between England and Spain, the queen gave Drake command of a fleet of 25 ships. He sailed to the West Indies and the coast of Florida and mercilessly plundered Spanish ports there, taking Santiago in the Cape Verde Islands, Cartagena in Colombia, St. Augustine in Florida and San Domingo (now Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic). On the return voyage, he picked up a failed English military colony on Roanoke Island off the Carolinas. Drake then led an even bigger fleet (30 ships) into the Spanish port of Cádiz and destroyed a large number of vessels being readied for the Spanish Armada. In 1588, Drake served as second-in-command to Admiral Charles Howard in the English victory over the supposedly invincible Spanish fleet.
What did Drake do in 1577?
In 1577, Queen Elizabeth commissioned Drake to lead an expedition around South America through the Straits of Magellan.
What did Drake do to gain the right to plunder Spanish ports in the Caribbean?
After leading two successful expeditions to the West Indies, Drake came to the attention of Queen Elizabeth I, who granted him a privateer’s commission, effectively giving him the right to plunder Spanish ports in the Caribbean.
Why was Thomas Doughty beheaded?
When they arrived off the coast of Argentina, Drake had one of the men–Thomas Doughty–arrested, tried and beheaded for allegedly plotting a mutiny. Of the five-ship fleet, two ships were lost in a storm; the other commander, John Wynter, turned one back to England and another disappeared.
How did Drake die?
He attempted to attack San Juan again, but a few weeks later, in January 1596, he died (aged about 56) of dysentery, a common disease in the tropics at the time, while anchored off the coast of Portobelo, Panama, where some Spanish treasure ships had sought shelter. Following his death, the English fleet withdrew.
What was Drake known for?
Drake is known for defeating the Spanish Armada. He was actually the vice-admiral in command of the English fleet.
Why was El Draque a baddy?
If one happened to be Spanish, El Draque was definitely a baddy because of his privateer activities on the Spanish Main and raids on Spanish ports and holdings. Likewise, his participation in fighting the Armada did little to endear him to the Spanish.
Why is Drake so brave?
He is brave because he survived the fiercest passage of water on the Earth. This passage is between Antarctica and South America, which we now called the Drake Passage.
What is the name of the area north of Mexico claimed by Sir Francis Drake for England?
New Albion , also known as Nova Albion, was the name of the continental area north of Mexico claimed by Sir Francis Drake for England when he landed on the North American west coast in 1579.
Was Drake a bad guy?
If one happened to be Scots-Irish, Drake was also something of a bad guy, spending several years fighting against Irish rebellions —in particular actively supporting Norrey’s attack on the Rathlin Castle with his ships’ artillery. The 200-man garrison eventually surrendered, but were massacred by Norrey’s forces, along with 400 other men, women and children.
Where is the brass plate from Drake?
Your question almost helps me believe in “Drake’s Brass Plate.” That (currently) discredited item is located in the California Museum at Berkeley University.
What happened to Francis Drake?
A couple weeks later, Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship of dysentery on January 28, 1596, and was buried at sea near Portobelo on the Caribbean coast of Panamá.
Who was Francis Drake?
Buried at sea. During his time, Sir Francis Drake was known in England as an expert sailor, adventurer, privateer, navigator, and war hero. The Spanish, however, viewed him as an illegal trader of enslaved people and a ruthless pirate. Francis Drake came of age during a time of empire building for England, which trailed ...
What was Drake's role in the Spanish invasion of England?
When the Spanish Armada did launch in 1588, Drake, serving as vice admiral in command of the nimble English fleet of warships, was instrumental in the destruction of the mighty Spanish Armada off the coast of England, helping to pave the way for England to become a global superpower and helping Drake secure a reputation as one of the finest sailors in history .
How many ships did Drake have?
Drake commanded a fleet of about 25 ships and 2,300 men. His most important targets during this expedition were Santo Domingo (in present day Dominican Republic) and Cartagena (in present-day Colombia); from both of those towns he wrung fat ransoms.
What was Francis Drake known for?
Quick Facts. During his time, Sir Francis Drake was known in England as an expert sailor, adventurer, privateer, navigator, and war hero. The Spanish, however, viewed him as an illegal trader of enslaved people and a ruthless pirate. Francis Drake came of age during a time of empire building for England, which trailed the earlier explorations ...
What was Drake's most famous voyage?
While "The Voyage of Circumnavigation," is one of Drake's most famous maritime exploits, after serving as Mayor of Plymouth and a Member of Parliament in the early 1580s, he returned to sea in 1585 to raid Spanish settlements in the Caribbean. Drake commanded a fleet of about 25 ships and 2,300 men. His most important targets during this expedition were Santo Domingo (in present day Dominican Republic) and Cartagena (in present-day Colombia); from both of those towns he wrung fat ransoms.
What was Drake's last successful venture?
However, the defeat of the Spanish Armada was among the last of Drake's successful ventures. An expedition to attack Spain failed in 1589. Six years later, he returned to the Caribbean, where he would suffer two significant defeats.
What happened to Francis Drake?
January 28, 1596. Did You Know? Sir Francis Drake contracted dysentery and, on January 28, 1596, died of a fever. He was buried in a lead coffin at sea near Portobelo. Divers continue to search for the coffin.
How did Drake die?
In 1588, Drake saw action in the English defeat of the Spanish Armada, though he died in 1596 from dysentery after undertaking an unsuccessful raiding mission.
Who Was Sir Francis Drake?
Sir Francis Drake was an English explorer involved in piracy and illicit slave trading who became the second person ever to circumnavigate the globe. In 1577, Drake was chosen as the leader of an expedition intended to pass around South America, through the Strait of Magellan, and explore the coast that lay beyond. Drake successfully completed the journey and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I upon his triumphant return. In 1588, Drake saw action in the English defeat of the Spanish Armada, though he died in 1596 from dysentery after undertaking an unsuccessful raiding mission.
How many ships did Drake have?
Drake had five ships for the expedition. Among his men were John Winter, commander of one of the vessels, and officer Thomas Doughty. Major tensions flared between Drake and Doughty during the trip, potentially motivated by political intrigue. Upon arriving off the coast of Argentina, Drake had Doughty arrested with the accusation of planned mutiny. After a brief and possibly illegal trial, Doughty was convicted and beheaded.
How many men did Drake have in his raid?
With two ships and a crew of 73 men, Drake captured the town. However, he was seriously wounded during the raid, so he and his men withdrew without much treasure. They stayed in the area for a time, and after Drake’s wounds healed, they raided several Spanish settlements, picking up much gold and silver. They returned to Plymouth in 1573.
What was the name of the ship that Drake sailed on?
By the 1560s, Drake was given command of his own ship, the Judith. With a small fleet, Drake and his cousin, John Hawkins, sailed to Africa and worked illegally as slave traders. They then sailed to New Spain to sell their captives to settlers, an action that was against Spanish law.
When did Drake become Admiral of the English Navy?
In 1588 Drake was appointed vice admiral of the English Navy, under Lord Charles Howard. On July 21, 130 ships of the Spanish Armada entered the English Channel in a crescent formation. The English fleet sailed out to meet them, relying upon long-range cannon fire to significantly damage the armada over the ensuing days.
Overview
Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer, sea captain, privateer, naval officer, and politician. Drake is best known for his circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580 (the first English circumnavigation, the second carried out in a single expedition, and third circumnavigation overall). This included his incursion into the Pacific Ocean, u…
Birth and early years
Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon, England. Although his birth date is not formally recorded, it is known that he was born while the Six Articles of 1539 were in force. His birth date is estimated from contemporary sources such as: "Drake was two and twenty when he obtained the command of the Judith" (1566). This would date his birth to 1544. A date of c. 1540 is suggested from …
Marriage and family
Francis Drake married Mary Newman at St. Budeaux church, Plymouth, in July 1569. She died 12 years later, in 1581. In 1585, Drake married Elizabeth Sydenham—born circa 1562, the only child of Sir George Sydenham, of Combe Sydenham, who was the High Sheriff of Somerset. After Drake's death, the widow Elizabeth eventually married Sir William Courtenay of Powderham.
Early career at sea
Scholars think it is likely Francis Drake was illegitimate , and that is probably why he was placed at an early age into the household of William Hawkins of Plymouth. Drake began his seagoing training as an apprentice on Hawkin's boats. By 18, he was a bursar, and in the 1550s, Drake's father found the young man a position with the owner and master of a small barque, one of the small traders plying between the Medway River and the Dutch coast. Drake likely engaged in co…
Rathlin Island massacre
Drake was present at the 1575 Rathlin Island massacre in Ireland. Acting on the instructions of Sir Henry Sidney and the Earl of Essex, Sir John Norreys and Drake laid siege to Rathlin Castle. Despite their surrender, Norreys' troops killed all the 200 defenders and more than 400 civilian men, women and children of Clan MacDonnell. Meanwhile, Drake was given the task of preventing any Gaelic Irish or Scottish reinforcements reaching the island. Therefore, the remaining leader …
Circumnavigation (1577–1580)
With the success of the Panama isthmus raid, in 1577 Elizabeth I of England sent Drake to start an expedition against the Spanish along the Pacific coast of the Americas. Drake acted on the plan authored by Sir Richard Grenville, who had received royal patent for it in 1574. Just a year later the patent was rescinded after protests from Philip of Spain.
Purchase of Buckland Abbey
In 1580, Drake purchased Buckland Abbey, a large manor house near Yelverton, Devon, via intermediaries from Sir Richard Greynvile. He lived there for fifteen years, until his final voyage, and it remained in his family for several generations. Buckland Abbey is now in the care of the National Trust and a number of mementos of his life are displayed there.
Political career
Drake was politically astute, and although known for his private and military endeavours, he was an influential figure in politics during the time he spent in Britain. Often abroad, there is little evidence to suggest he was active in Westminster, despite being a member of parliament on three occasions.
After returning from his voyage of circumnavigation, Drake became the Mayor of Plymouth, in Se…