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Sir Francis Drake

Drake, Sir Francis (about 1540-1596), was the first Englishman to sail around the world. He also played a leading part in England's great victory over the Spanish Armada. He lived during Queen Elizabeth I's reign, which was famous for its sailors. Drake was the most famous English sailor of his time. He attacked Spanish ships for the treasure they carried from South America to Spain.

Elizabeth encouraged him, although it was wrong to make such attacks. But such behavior was not unusual in Drake's time. English sailors looked on Spaniards as enemies to be attacked, because Spaniards were Roman Catholics and sometimes ill-treated Protestants. Because of their fear of Drake, the Spaniards called him the 'Dragon'.

Drake was born in Devonshire, and first captained a ship when he was 22. He made his attacks on Spanish ships mainly in the Caribbean Sea. His most famous voyage began on December 13, 1577, and lasted nearly three years. It began and ended in Plymouth. Drake aimed to sail around the south of South America into the Pacific Ocean and attack the Spanish settlements on the west coast.

Drake's ship was called the Pelican, but was later renamed the Golden Hind. He took four other ships with him. Drake knew that there was a sea passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans called the Strait of Magellan. When the five ships reached the Pacific, fierce gales blew them hundreds of miles southwards off their course. As a result, Drake discovered Cape Horn, in South America.

In spite of many difficulties, Drake achieved all he set out to do on his voyage. He raided many Spanish settlements and captured large quantities of gold and silver. He feared the Spaniards would be ready to attack him if he returned by the same route. Instead, he sailed boldly across the Pacific and around the Cape of Good Hope. Drake was given a great reception on his return. Elizabeth knighted him at Deptford on his ship.