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Francis Drake

English sailor and privateer (c. 1540 – 1596)

  • Fame72.0
  • Momentum0.0
  • Scientists rank#62
Source-basedFalling
  • Fame72.0
  • Momentum0.0
  • Scientists rank#62
  • Wikipedia80.9K
Lived 1540–1596, aged 56United Kingdom
United Kingdom flagUnited KingdomScientistsScientist
  • Wikipedia
    111 languages
    Cross-language footprint
  • Era
    1540–1596
    Aged 56
  • Awards
    1
    recognised work
Network

In their orbit

People connected to Francis Drake

MN
SpouseMary Newman
Elizabeth Sydenham
SpouseElizabeth Sydenham
ED
FatherEdmund Drake
MM
MotherMary Mylwaye
Summary
Updated 2026-06-08

He sailed around the world, plundered Spain's American empire for Elizabeth I, and returned home rich enough to be knighted on his own ship. To the English, a privateer-hero; to the Spanish, El Draque — the pirate they couldn't catch.

Key facts
Profile type
Scientist
Category
Scientists
Country
United Kingdom
Category rank
#62
Last updated
2026-06-08
Biography

About

Drake began as a seaman in the household of a Plymouth sea captain, took part in early English slaving voyages with his cousin John Hawkins, then launched his first independent privateering run along the Spanish Main in 1572. Five years later he set out on the voyage that changed everything: a circumnavigation begun 13 December 1577, crossing the Pacific — then Spanish water — plundering ports and ships, claiming New Albion, and arriving back in England on 26 September 1580 laden with treasure. Elizabeth I knighted him aboard the Golden Hind in 1581. His exploits kicked off open war with Spain…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Francis Drake

Francis Drake
said · 31 Jul 1588
Coming up unto them, there has passed some cannon shot between some of our fleet and some of them, and so far as we perceive they are determined to sell their lives with blows.
— Letter to Admiral Henry Seymour, after coming upon part of the Spanish Armada, written aboard the Revenge (31 July 1588 21 July 1588 O.S.)
Francis Drake
said · 17 May 1587
There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.
— Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, from off Cape Sagres, Portugal (17 May 1587)
Francis Drake
said · May 1578
For by the life of God, it doth even take my wits from me to think on it.
— Speech to his crew off of Puerto San Julian, Argentina, prior to entering the Strait of Magellan (May 1578)
via Wikiquote · CC BY-SA
Gallery

Photos

8 images · refresh overdue
Live

Activity

News and signals about Francis Drake

MCmarinij.com·1 month ago
Marin resident on a mission to get people crafting
TCtvguide.co.uk·1 month ago
Pirates : Behind the Legends
CCcntraveler.com·1 month ago
Rosewood Little Dix Bay – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler
TCtheguardian.com·1 month ago
The potential is huge : Plymouth hopes defence money will have it sailing again | Plymouth
EIeconomictimes.indiatimes.com·1 month ago
Thursday Motivation by Queen Elizabeth I : The stone often recoils on the head of the ... - The Virgin Queen timeless lesson on actions and consequences
PCptreyeslight.com·1 month ago
Green Bridge project ramps up - Point Reyes Light
via GDELT · synced 1 month ago
Filed under

Tags & topics

#Historical Figures#Scientist#Chemistry#Politics#Early Modern Era
Where to find them

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By the numbers

Score breakdown

The six component signals behind the Fame score, and their ranks across the leaderboards.

Fame
Falling
72.0
Composite of search demand, mentions, audience & graph footprint.
Score components
Historical26.9
Now attention15.6
Source confidence60.0
Completeness70.0
Global rank
—
Country rank
—
Category rank
→
#62
Receipts

Sources

  • Wikipedia
    wikipedia · en.wikipedia.org
    High confidence
  • Wikidata
    wikidata · wikidata.org
    High confidence
  • Pantheon 2.0
    database · pantheon.world
    High confidence
Identity

Quick facts

Country
United Kingdom
Category
Scientists
Profile type
Scientist
Status
deceased
Died
January 28, 1596
Wikipedia
View article
Last updated
1mo ago
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  • #62 in Scientists→
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Momentum

Trend & search interest

Fame score · last 90 days
Google search interest · last 90 days
39
7-day avg
100
90-day peak
-21%
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