On This Day

Francis Drake

sailor and privateer

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. He crossed the Pacific Ocean, until then an area of exclusive Spanish interest, and laid claim to New Albion, plundering coastal towns and ships for treasure and supplies as he went. He arrived back in England on 26 September 1580.

Notable For

English sailor and privateer

Francis Drake's Historical Timeline

  1. Francis Drake sets sail from England on an epic three-year circumnavigation of the world aboard the "Pelican," later ren

    Francis Drake sets sail from England on an epic three-year circumnavigation of the world aboard the "Pelican," later renamed the "Golden Hind"

  2. English navigator Francis Drake lands on the coast of California at what becomes known as Drakes Bay, for ship repairs;

    English navigator Francis Drake lands on the coast of California at what becomes known as Drakes Bay, for ship repairs; claims area on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, and names it "Nova Albion" [1] [2]

  3. 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.

  4. 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…

  5. English admiral Francis Drake takes Portuguese Forts at Taag

    English admiral Francis Drake takes Portuguese Forts at Taag

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Francis Drake known for?
English sailor and privateer
What historical events involved Francis Drake?
Francis Drake was involved in 5 recorded historical events, including Francis Drake sets sail from England on an epic three-year circumnavigation of the world aboard the "Pelican," later ren, English navigator Francis Drake lands on the coast of California at what becomes known as Drakes Bay, for ship repairs; , Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the world, sailing into Plymouth, England aboard the Golden Hind.

Related Years