Francis Drake
c. 1540 – 28 January 1596
Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540-1596) was an English sea captain, privateer, and naval officer who carried out the second circumnavigation of the world, and the first as commander of the entire voyage, between 1577 and 1580. He was a leading figure in England's naval war against Spain, serving as vice admiral against the Spanish Armada in 1588, and was involved in the early English slave trade with John Hawkins. He died of dysentery off the coast of Panama in 1596.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Francis Drake.
- Philip II of Spain (1527–1598) Overlapped 56 years →
- Sofonisba Anguissola (1532–1625) Overlapped 56 years →
- François Viète (1540–1603) Overlapped 56 years →
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598) Overlapped 56 years →
- William Byrd (1540–1623) Overlapped 56 years →
- Elizabeth I (1533–1603) Overlapped 56 years →
Life events
Drake was born around 1540 in Tavistock, the eldest of the many sons of a farmer who later became a preacher.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake took part in his cousin John Hawkins's slaving expeditions to West Africa and the Spanish Caribbean, which ended in defeat at San Juan de Ulúa in 1568.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake married Mary Newman in Plymouth; she died twelve years later.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake attacked Nombre de Dios and ambushed a Spanish silver mule train on the Isthmus of Panama, returning to England rich and famous.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake set out with five ships on an expedition against Spanish interests in the Pacific that became a voyage around the world.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake put ashore on the Pacific coast of North America, claiming the land for Elizabeth I as Nova Albion.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake returned to Plymouth aboard the Golden Hind laden with Spanish treasure and spices, completing the second circumnavigation of the globe.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake received his knighthood at Deptford in the presence of Queen Elizabeth I.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake's attack on the Spanish fleet at Cádiz destroyed dozens of ships and postponed the planned invasion of England.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake was second-in-command of the English fleet that fought the Spanish Armada in the Channel, including the battle of Gravelines.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDrake died at sea during a failed expedition to the Spanish Caribbean and was buried in a lead coffin off the coast of Panama.
Source: en.wikipedia.org