Francis Drake

c. 1540-1596. English navigator and privateer.

Sir Francis Drake (born in Tavistock Abbey) is known to be a privateer, explorer and slave trader. In 1567, he made his first slaving voyage, but he got attacked by the Spanish Armada [chronologically impossible], who turned out to be his greatest enemies for all of his life. Drake was also the first Englishman to navigate around the globe. In May 1578, he reached the Pacific Ocean on command of Queen Elizabeth I. On 26th September 1580, he circumnavigated the globe entirely with his flagship 'The Pelican' [no longer called The Pelican at this point].

Battle against the Armada

In 1587, Drake attacked the Spanish fleet in Cardiz, and in 1588 he was promoted to be Vice Admiral. In the same year he suceeded in defeating the Spanish Armada because of his genius tactical maneuvers.

Literature

“History - Sir Francis Drake.” BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/drake_francis.shtml.

Kelsey, Harry. Sir Francis Drake: the Queen's Pirate. Yale University Press, 1998.

Johnson, Ben. “The Life of Sir Francis Drake.” Historic UK, www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Sir-Francis-Drake/.