Take a look below for 30 more interesting and bizarre facts about Francis Drake. The Spanish were formidable opponents, but Drake was known and feared because of his cool head and well-trained crew. Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon, England, sometime between 1540 and 1544. His ship was originally called the Pelican, but was renamed Golden Hind, sometimes spelled the Golden Hinde. How Old Are You? He was one of the most famous men in Elizabethan times. The family owned a sheep farm and Edmund was also a part time Protestant preacher. Due to persecution, a situation known as the ‘Prayer Book Rebellion’ caused Drake’s family to move from Devon to Kent. Key Facts & Information Early Life. Faithful Father He was born in a city in Devon, England known as Tavistock. Francis Drake was an English naval hero and explorer who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the world (1577–1580) and was vice admiral of the fleet that destroyed the Spanish Armada (1588). He is also famous because of his victory against the Spanish Armada and being the first Englishman to have circumnavigated the globe. Drake’s exact birth has not been recorded. Sir Francis Drake, (born c. 1540–43, Devonshire, England—died January 28, 1596, at sea, off Puerto Bello, Panama), English admiral who circumnavigated the globe (1577–80) and was the most renowned seaman of the Elizabethan Age. He is thought to have been named after his Godfather, Francis Russell, who was once the Earl of Bedford. Drake was as famous in his own lifetime as David Beckham is today. Francis Drake was born to Edmund Drake in Devonshire England. Article media libraries that feature this video: Buccaneer, Sir Francis Drake, Privateer, History of Spain, England, Battle of Cadiz, Letter of marque Transcript Adventurer, admiral, pirate, explorer and the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe - Sir Francis Drake was the most ingenious captain of the 16th century. Facts | History, People | 31 Fascinating Facts about Sir Francis Drake What is known is that he was born in Tavistock, England. Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon, sometime around 1540 as the son of a farmer. Drake carried out his famous circumnavigation between the years 1577 and 1580. 2:10. Discover Britain’s emergence as a maritime nation through key events and personalities of the 16th and 17th centuries. His parents were Edmund Drake, a farmer at the estate of Lord Francis Russell, and Mary Mylwaye. … His father, Robert Drake, later became a preacher and raised his twelve children as Protestants (followers of the Christian religion who are not part of the Roman Catholic Church). Drake was a privateer, which meant that he was given permission by the crown to raid enemy ships and cargoes. The Golden Hind could make a speed of 8 knots. She is recorded as having sometimes scolded his ‘cavalier’ attitude, but privately, she was known to admire his determination and mischievous sense of humor. 41. Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English sea captain, privateer, naval officer, slaver, and explorer. Follow us on Twitter, Your email address will not be published. What is known is that he was born in Tavistock, England. He was buried in a lead coffin, dressed in a full suit of armour. During this voyage he also rescued the failed colonists at Roanoke. Upon becoming Vice Admiral in 1588, Drake was responsible for the English fleet, having helmed them in action in battle against the Spanish. However, this was despite the fact it weighed an incredible 120 tons! Sir Francis Drake had many successes and even a few failures. 2. Learn more about the origins of the transatlantic slave trade. Guesses on his birth year (based on artifacts or historical hearsay) include 1540, 1539, and 1544. The navigators body was later placed in full-armor, sealed inside a lead coffin and consigned to the deep some a few miles off the coastline. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Drake contracted dysentery as the disappointing voyage wore on, and on January 28, 1596, he died at sea off Portobello. His daring adventures at sea helped to establish England's naval supremacy over Spain and other European nations. Francis Drake became famous as being the first person to circumnavigate the world in a single expedition. Francis Drake was the oldest child of Edmund Drake, a farmer from a prosperous peasant family in Tavistock, Devon, in southwestern England. Drake’s exact birth has not been recorded. In his lifetime, Francis Drake had a diary which contained a lot of information pertaining to his various adventures as an explorer. 0. His voyages were classified as “the Queen’s secrets of the Realm.”  The Queen made Drake and other participants of his voyages swear to secrecy all information related to their travels, on pain of death. https://www.projectbritain.com/calendar/September/drake.html Drake’s father was originally a farmer. That is because no one around Drake saw her as a woman. He was the oldest of 12 sons. Only Queen Elizabeth I and Drake knew the exact amount he looted on his circumnavigation. 10 Interesting Facts About Sir Francis Drake. None were lucky enough to win the prize, He lived in ‘Buckland Abbey,’ a Manor based in Devon. He first sailed as a purser at the age of 18, and quickly rose through the ranks. Paid for it all and water in the city for first time since the Romans was the result. Francis Drake, the eldest son of a farmer, was born near Tavistock, Devonshire, England. When he landed in what is now California in the United States, Drake named it Nova Albion (new England)! ... and the second ever to complete a circumnavigation of the globe. Thomas Cavendish (1560-92), Sir Francis Drake (1540-96) and Sir John Hawkins (1532-95), Launch of fireships against the Spanish Armada, 7 August 1588. Francis Drake was an English sea merchant, pirate, and politician. Francis Drake’s burial at sea off Portobello – 1883 bronze plaque by Joseph Boehm #10 Sir Francis Drake was the most famous seaman of his age. Sir Francis Drake by Marcus Gheeraerts (1591) and the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. Free Entry. 1. His first wife was Mary Newman, who he remained married to from 1569 to 1581. Some years later Drake took a municipal contract to reconstruct a shallow canal bringing water to the town. Sir Francis Drake was considered as the greatest navigator, pirate, captain and politician under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Francis Drake has 5 siblings in His family: Edward Drake, John Drake, Thomas Drake, Joseph Drake, Elizabeth Drake. Required fields are marked *. 1. With over 1... Visit the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Your email address will not be published. Discover more about Sir Francis Drake and pirates at the Pigott Family Gallery: Tudor and Stuart Seafarers, one of the four new galleries at the National Maritime Museum. Drake was rumoured to be in league with the devil and to possess a magic mirror that allowed him to see the location of all the ships in the sea. English navigator and ship captain The English navigator Sir Francis Drake was the first of his countrymen to sail around the world. It seems you just couldn’t tear the man away from the, A famously recorded incident recounts how, when playing a game of bowls, Drake was interrupted as he was warned the Spanish fleet was on the approach. Here are some fascinating facts about the man whose life embodied the prevalent values of the Tudor age. His expedition inaugurated an era of conflict with the Spanish on the western coast of the Americas, an are… Drake’s ship was impressively speedy. At the behest of the English government, he selected his own crew and ship, which berthed at Plymouth. The supply of water is thought to have lasted up to 300 years. William Hawkins was a wealthy and powerful merchant whose ships traded in the Can… Francis Drake was one of the first explorers of the colonial era to reach up into what would be the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Expert navigator and Elizabethan hero, pirate and slave trader: learn 10 quick facts about Francis Drake. 31 Fascinating Facts about Sir Francis Drake 34 Massive Facts about the Ural Mountains, 47 Awesome Facts about The Atlantic Ocean, Sir Francis Drake was born in 1540 and died in 1596, aged 56. He is thought to have been named after his Godfather, Francis Russell, who was once the Earl of Bedford. Drake carried out the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580, and was the first to complete the voyage as captain while leading the expedition throughout the entire circumnavigation. Drake’s second wife was called Elizabeth Sydenham – and their marriage lasted from 1585 to 1596. His fleet was gunning for Spanish treasure, but an early attack on San Juan, Puerto Rico was repulsed, as was a second raid on Panama. His nationality is English. One cannon ball 'strake atwixt our Generalls legges' (BL, Harley MS 2202, fol. Sir Francis Drake was one of those explorers and many people thought of him as that hero. However, he did return to England with tobacco and potatoes on the conclusion of his 1586 voyage to America. 3 years later, his third mix tape earned him critical and commercial success, and the following year, he released his first album. Find us on Facebook Drake’s adventures made him a timeless hero among many Englishmen. The diary aided Nathan Drake greatly in tracking down the treasure of El Dorado. They also attacked Portuguese slave ships in order to steal their human ‘cargo’. Vice Admiral Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 27 January 1596) was an English sea captain, privateer, navigator, slaver, and politician of the Elizabethan era.He was born in Tavistock and grew up in Kent where he learned to be a sailor. Sir Francis Drake Facts 42. Francis Drake was … 11906. Drake’s conduct as a young apprentice to a ship master was so impressive that the master later gave him his ship! Apr 27, 2015. Historians speculate that he was born between 1540 to 1544. Drake is best known for his circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580. He was the oldest of the twelve sons of Edmund and Mary Drake. Newton died 12 years later in 1581 and in 1585 Drake … A pub in Gloucester named the ‘Pelican Inn’ claims it was built using timbers originating from Drake’s Golden Hind. In 1589, Drake sailed to Spain for a lengthy and bloody battle, resulting in approximately 20,000 deaths and the destruction of 20 ships. Young Francis … In 1595, an aging Sir Francis Drake set off on a final voyage to prowl the West Indies. Drake captured six warships and sunk another 31. Scores of divers and historian… Historians speculate that he was born between 1540 to 1544. Francis Drake’s burial at sea off Portobello – 1883 bronze plaque by Joseph Boehm #10 Sir Francis Drake was the most famous seaman of his age. ... undertaking voyages as early as 1560 with his cousin John Hawkins to West Africa to capture men and women. Sir Francis Drake was happy to retire .Help build defenses and bring in a proper water system in Plymouth Devon. His strict but fair control of his ship meant his crew were loyal and confident. Someday he would make his fortune and fame at sea. Born between 1540 and 1544 in Devonshire, England, Sir Francis Drake was the son of a tenant farmer on the estate of Lord Francis Russell, earl of Bedford. Newton died 12 years later in 1581 and in 1585 Drake married again. He is a celebrity explorer. He was born in a city in Devon, England known as Tavistock. In … Sir Francis Drake was born in 1540 and died in 1596, aged 56. It was 102 feet (31 meters) long. However, he prioritized his work at sea, and he once described his dedication to the, His Parliament activities were interrupted when his presence was needed aboard ship to undergo sea farming operations. Expert navigator and Elizabethan hero, pirate and slave trader: learn 10 quick facts about Francis Drake. Sir Francis Drake Facts 42. Your support is vital to our work as a charity, helping us to care for your... Four new galleries at the National Maritime Museum. Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon, England, sometime between 1540 and 1544. 1569, Francis Drake married a Cornish woman named Mary Newman. Young, female and powerful: Was Elizabeth I a feminist. 57v). The Random Vibez. Much of his reputation was derived from legend, however, as his life was dedicated to self-aggrandizement. During the colonial era in Europe, the word “hero” was often used to describe the explorers that found new lands for the crown. Drake attended the Houses of Parliament as ‘Member’ representing Camelford and, later, Bassinet. 33 Facts About Francis Drake. Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon in around 1540 and went to sea at an early age. Sir Francis Drake, the famous circumnavigator of the globe and politician of the Elizabethan era, died at sea in late January, 1596. He then occupied the Portuguese town of Sagres for a time and finally, in the Azores, seized a large Portuguese carrack bound homeward from Goa with a rich cargo. Others think of him in a not-so-friendly light. 2. Francis Drake in an audience with Queen Elizabeth. Even to this day, we have no idea when Drake was born. Sir Francis Drake facts. He died on January 28, 1596, Portobelo, Colón, Panama. … In 1577, on a … ... and the second ever to complete a circumnavigation of the globe. This was during a battle in the harbour at Palma on Drake’s raid on the West Indies. Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon. Francis Drake was born in Devon, England at some time between 1540 and 1544, although no record of birth exists. Some love Sir Francis Drake. Drake is famous for discovering that it was possible to, Built in 1577, Drake’s flagship was called ‘The Golden Hind’, but was originally called ‘The. Sir Francis Drake is one of England’s best-known sailors. 2. He was the oldest of twelve other sons, and his father was a farmer by profession. He died from dysentery on 28 January 1596 during a sea voyage. Francis Drake was born sometime between 1540 and 1544 in Tavistock, England. Write for us | Use our interactive map to navigate our fascinating planet and discover many interesting and fun facts for every country…, © 2021 Planet Numbers Ltd.   However, it wasn’t the only ship Drake sailed – as you, The Spanish nicknamed Sir Francis Drake ‘El Drague’, meaning ‘The. (The first person, Magellan, died while on the trip) Although a man in historical fact, Drake appears as a woman in this work. Sir Francis Drake was an English explorer and slave trader who earned a reputation for his privateering, or piracy, against Spanish ships and possessions. Edmund became a Protestant preacher and left the family to find parish work when Francis was still a child. Loved by the English people (and possibly even the Queen herself), Drake […] Edmund Drake was a tenant farmer for Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford. Some Spanish mariners were so afraid of Drake that they believed he practised witchcraft. Facts about Francis Drake’s Role in Defeating the Spanish Armada In 1587 Sir Francis Drake sailed to Spain to fight the Spanish as it was thought that they were preparing a to invade England with a massive fleet. He completed the second global circumnavigation from 1577 to 1580. He launched his music career in 2006 with the release of his mix tape “Room for Improvement”. Drake is a Toronto-born rap star known for hit songs like Take Care, One Dance and Hotline Bling. Interesting Facts about Sir Francis Drake 1. Early Life. He was the oldest of twelve other sons, and his father was a farmer by profession. https://www.sunsigns.org/famousbirthdays/d/profile/francis-drake Early Years. Drake was basically a pirate. In Spain, he was famously referred to as the “El Draque” and “Franciscus Draco” which figuratively mean “Francis the Dragon.” Early Years Drake Francis Drake was the first of twelve sons of Edmund Drake and Mary Mylwaye. 1569, Francis Drake married a Cornish woman named Mary Newman. He was introduced to ships from a young age. Sir Francis Drake was an Elizabethan sailor and navigator, born sometime between the years 1540 and 1544 in a place called Travistock in England. For his gallant services and for the achievement of the globe’s circumnavigation, Francis Drake was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1581. Privacy Policy | He opened the Pacific Ocean to English ships. He was famed after sailing around the globe the second person in recorded history to do so. He reportedly quipped that there was ‘ample. His … … Discover Britain’s emergence as a maritime nation through key events and personalities of the 16th and 17th centuries. Once taken, however, Drake didn’t stay to defend the island because no one paid him to do so. Drake had a firm reputation as a skilled, strong-willed commander, with exceptional navigational skills. Francis Drake was the first English explorer to sail around the world. Drake carried out the second circumnavigation (First was Ferdinand Magellan) of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580, and was the first to complete the voyage as captain while leading the expedition throughout the entire circumnavigation. Francis Drake was an influential English sea captain, trader, explorer, politician, and privateer of the Elizabethan Era. His parents were Edmund Drake, a farmer at the estate of Lord Francis Russell, and Mary Mylwaye. Elizabeth appointed Lord Charles Howard of Effingham commander of her fleet and gave Drake, Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher immediately subordinate posts. Drake also became mayor of Plymouth in 1581. Drake was married twice. Numerous dives have been attempted to locate the lead coffin, but his body remains lost at sea. Elizabeth commissioned Drake to lead an exhibition against the Spanish colonies on the Pacific coast of America. The navigator Sir Francis Drake helped to build up England’s power during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I . Site Map. For this he was awarded knighthood by Queen Elizabeth I in 1581. Francis Drake had previously set out to find the statue himself, and his diary contained detailed logs and clues that Natha… He also helped defeat the Armada , the fleet (group of ships) that Spain sent to conquer England. Learn more about Drake in … 1. He is most well-known for being the second person to circumnavigate the world in one expedition. Sir Francis Drake was an English explorer involved in piracy and illicit slave trading who became the second person ever to circumnavigate the globe. He also plundered over £100,000 of gold, silk and spices. It also helped prove that the Earth was round. This was due to numerous raids he made against Spanish ships and settlements on his voyages. While still a young boy, he was sent to live with relatives, the Hawkins family, in the nearby town of Plymouth on England's southwest coast. There, Drake’s father was ordained to become a Vicar, ministering to Naval personnel. Francis Drake Biography, Life, Interesting Facts. Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe was also a secret pirate mission sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth against the Spanish. He went to work for a sea captain at a young age and found his home living and working on a ship. A Few Key Facts About Francis Drake by Duane Van Dieman Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, England, 15 miles north of Plymouth, around the year 1541. He fled his native county after being charged for “assault and robbery” in 1548. Francis Drake was the first great figure in human history to survive a trip around the world. These fun facts about the man show why he has become one of the leading figures of adventure during the European colonial era. 1. His reputation with the Spanish frustrated them – and a reward of 20,000 Ducats was offered to anyone able to capture the resilient Sir Francis Drake. Francis Drake was born on July 13, 1540 (age 56) in the Tavistock, England. Drake advocated a strong preventive blow at Philip's unprepared Armada and received permission to strike. Francis received little schooling. Sir Francis Drake was an English sea captain, slave trader, and privateer of the Elizabethan era. His fiancee is Elizabeth Sydenham (m. 1585–1596), Mary Newman (m. 1569–1581). His family home was passed down through several generations until acquired by the. Soon he was a shipmaster (captain).Elizabeth I awarded Drake a knighthood in 1581 which he received on the Golden Hind in Deptford. It’s amazing what he accomplished in such a short life! Interesting Facts about Sir Francis Drake. Guesses on his birth year (based on artifacts or historical hearsay) include 1540, 1539, and 1544. These were coupled with a tactical mind suited to making the most of weather conditions and coastal features. He stole from the Spanish for Queen Elizabeth I, was the first person to complete a circumnavigation of the globe while remaining Captain from beginning to end, and even spent time as a politician. His father was a minister for the navy and Francis grew up near the sea. He stole gold and silver and cargo from other ships! This included his incursion into the Pacific Ocean, until then an area of exclusive Spanish interest, and his claim to New Albion for England, an area in what is now the American state of California. In 1595, a series of failures reduced his capacity for battle, and it was reported that his ‘strong will alone kept many loyal to him, willing to risk their lives’. Sir Francis Drake, English admiral who circumnavigated the globe (1577–80) and was the most renowned seaman of the Elizabethan Age. The first potatoes to reach England were most likely brought by the Spanish by the 1570s (a decade before Drake’s travels). In April 1587 he recklessly sailed into Cadiz and destroyed or captured 37 enemy ships. Nathan Drake, a self-proclaimed descendant of Francis Drake, found the diary inside the explorer's empty coffin at sea, proving his theory that his supposed ancestor had faked his death. It’s. tonsoffacts.com/30-interesting-and-bizarre-facts-about-francis-drake This business arrangement has given rise to the myth that Francis Drake brought the first supply of water to the inhabitants of Plymouth. How Old Are You? T… Sir Francis Drake was an English slave trader, ship commander, and politician of the Elizabethan era. He wanted to learn his brother's cause of death as this unknown disease was ravaging his ship. 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