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Francis Drake

English sailor and privateer (c. 1540 - 1596) · United Kingdom · Historical Figures · Died at 56

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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.

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A life in dates

1596Died28 January 15961588“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.”In their words31 July 1588Letter to Admiral Henry Seymour, after coming upon part of the Spanish Armada, written aboard the Revenge (31 July 1588 21 July 1588 O.S.)

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.”In their words17 May 1587Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, from off Cape Sagres, Portugal (17 May 1587)

1578“For by the life of God, it doth even take my wits from me to think on it.”In their wordsMay 1578Speech to his crew off of Puerto San Julian, Argentina, prior to entering the Strait of Magellan (May 1578)

1540Born

Also in Deutsch

Photos 8

Gheeraerts Francis Drake 1591Gheeraerts Francis Drake 15911595 Vera Totius Hondius1595 Vera Totius HondiusDRAKE(1652) Voyages and TravelsDRAKE(1652) Voyages and Travels190224 34 Cartagena (46853749684)190224 34 Cartagena (46853749684)Boazio-Sir Francis Drake in CartagenaBoazio-Sir Francis Drake in CartagenaBoazio-Sir Francis Drake in Santo DomingoBoazio-Sir Francis Drake in Santo DomingoBoazio-Sir Francis Drakes West Indian VoyageBoazio-Sir Francis Drakes West Indian VoyageCasa Drake, Cartagena, Colombia (enhanced)Casa Drake, Cartagena, Colombia (enhanced)

In their own words 3

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Francis Drake
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3 statements, newest first

  1. 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.

    Jul 31, 1588, 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.), Own words

  2. There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.

    May 17, 1587, Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, from off Cape Sagres, Portugal (17 May 1587), Own words

  3. For by the life of God, it doth even take my wits from me to think on it.

    May 1578, Speech to his crew off of Puerto San Julian, Argentina, prior to entering the Strait of Magellan (May 1578), Own words

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About this person

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; in 1588, as vice admiral, he helped smash the Armada sent to invade England, then led a failed counter-raid a year later. He served as MP for three constituencies and died of dysentery in January 1596 after a botched assault on Panama, still chasing Spanish gold.

Country
United Kingdom
Category
Historical Figures
Type
Historical Figure
Status
deceased
Dates
Lived 1540 to 1596 · aged 56

Historical Figures from the United Kingdom 6

Henry VIII of England73.9George VI72.1James VI and I74.4Henry VII of England72.0Charles I of England74.5Edward VI of England71.7

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