Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer and privateer best known for making the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition between 1577 and 1580 (being the first English expedition to accomplish this). He is also known for participating in the early English slaving voyages of his cousin, John Hawkins, and John Lovell. Having started as a simple seaman, in 1588 he was part of the fight against the Spanish Armada as a vice admiral. At an early age, Drake was placed into the household of a relative, William Hawkins, a prominent sea captain in Plymouth. In 1572, he set sail on his first independent mission, privateering along the Spanish Main. Drake's circumnavigation began on 15 December 1577.
Francis Drake is knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard his galleon, the "Golden Hind" at Deptford, England
Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer and privateer best known for making the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition between 1577 and 1580 (being the…
Historical Significance
Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer and privateer best known for making the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition between 1577 and 1580 (being the first English expedition to accomplish this).
Key People
Events Before
Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the world, sailing into Plymouth, England aboard the Golden Hind
Golden Hind was a galleon captained by Francis Drake in his circumnavigation of the world between 1577 and 1580.
Prince William I of Orange welcomed in Amsterdam
William the Silent or William the Taciturn (Dutch: Willem de Zwijger; 24 April 1533 – 10 July 1584), more commonly known in the Netherlands as William of Orange (Dutch: Willem van Oranje), was the...
Drenthe joins the Union of Utrecht
The Union of Utrecht (Dutch: Unie van Utrecht) was an alliance based on an agreement concluded on 23 January 1579 between a number of Dutch provinces and cities, to reach a joint commitment against...
Battle at Hardenberg: Spanish troops beat rebels
Battle at Hardenberg: Spanish troops beat rebels
States of Utrecht forbid Catholic worship
States of Utrecht forbid Catholic worship
Events After
Pope Gregory XIII announces the New Style calendar, commonly known as the Gregorian calendar
The Julian calendar is a solar calendar of 365 days in every year with an additional leap day every fourth year (without exception).
Last Julian calendar day in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States. To sync to the Gregorian calendar 10 days are skipped
Last Julian calendar day in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States. To sync to the Gregorian calendar 10 days are skipped, and the next date is Oct 15.
Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync
Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync the calendar to the solar year and compensate for the drift that has occurred due to the Julian calendar having too many leap days
Playwright and poet William Shakespeare (18) marries Anne Hathaway (26) (date of the marriage license)
Playwright and poet William Shakespeare (18) marries Anne Hathaway (26) (date of the marriage license)
Russia cedes Livonia and Estonia to Poland and loses access to the Baltic Sea
Russia cedes Livonia and Estonia to Poland and loses access to the Baltic Sea
More from the 1580s
Queen Elizabeth I of England signs the death warrant for her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots (8 December 1542 – 8 February 1587), also known as Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland, was Queen of Scotland from 14 December 1542 until her forced abdication on 24 July 1567. The…
Mary, Queen of Scots, is beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle at age 44 after being convicted of plotting to assassinate Eliz
Mary, Queen of Scots, is beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle at age 44 after being convicted of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth I in the Babington Plot
Pope Gregory XIII announces the New Style calendar, commonly known as the Gregorian calendar
The Julian calendar is a solar calendar of 365 days in every year with an additional leap day every fourth year (without exception).
William I of Orange marries Louise de Coligny, daughter of the Admiral of France
William I of Orange marries Louise de Coligny, daughter of the Admiral of France
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on April 4, 1581?
- Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer and privateer best known for making the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition between 1577 and 1580 (being the first English expedition to accomplish this). He is also known for participating in the early English slaving voyages of his cousin, John Hawkins, and John Lovell. Having started as a simple seaman, in 1588 he was part of the fight against the Spanish Armada as a vice admiral.
- Why is Francis Drake is knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard his galleon, the "Golde... significant?
- Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 28 January 1596) was an English explorer and privateer best known for making the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition between 1577 and 1580 (being the first English expedition to accomplish this).
- Who was involved in Francis Drake is knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard his galleon, the "Golde...?
- Key figures include Francis Drake (sailor and privateer), Elizabeth I.