Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540-1596 CE) was an English mariner, privateer and explorer who in 1588 CE helped defeat the Spanish Armada of Philip II of Spain (r. 1556-1598 CE) which attempted to invade the kingdom of Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE). Roaming the Atlantic and Caribbean capturing their treasure ships, the Spanish called Drake 'El Draque' ('the Dragon'). Partial to combining exploration with piracy, Drake famously circumnavigated the globe in his ship the Golden Hind between 1577 and 1580 CE. One of England's most celebrated seafarers and idolised in his own lifetime, Drake was witty but sly, generous yet cruel, both audacious and reckless, fiercely patriotic and almost always lucky - in short, the archetypal Elizabethan hero. He died of dysentery in 1596 CE on an expedition to raid the Spanish Main one last time.
More about: Francis DrakeDefinition
Timeline
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c. 1540 - 1596Life of the celebrated Elizabethan mariner, privateer and explorer Sir Francis Drake.
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1567 - 1568John Hawkins and Francis Drake lead an expedition to transport slaves from west Africa to the Spanish West Indies. The fleet is attacked at San Juan de Ulúa.
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1572 - 1573Francis Drake explores Panama and seizes a Spanish silver mule train.
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1575Francis Drake is involved in brutally repressing rebellions in Ireland.
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1577 - 1580Francis Drake circumnavigates the world in his ship the Golden Hind.
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13 Dec 1577English explorer Francis Drake leaves Plymouth, England, aboard his ship the *Golden Hind* to begin his circumnavigation of the Earth, an expedition authorized by Queen Elizabeth I of England to challenge the strength of Spain and Portugal. The expedition was a success, as Drake plundered ships and coastal towns associated with both countries, returning home in September 1580 with considerable wealth, encouraging the rise of England as a major colonial power.
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Mar 1579Francis Drake captures the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra Señora de la Concepción (aka Cacafuego).
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26 Sep 1580Sir Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the Earth, the "Voyage of Discovery", authorized by Queen Elizabeth I to challenge the maritime superiority of Portugal and Spain, having embarked on 13 December 1577.
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4 Apr 1581Elizabeth I of England knights Francis Drake after his circumnavigation of the globe.
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4 Apr 1581Francis Drake is knighted by order of Queen Elizabeth I of England for his circumnavigation of the globe which was completed in September 1580.
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1585 - 1587Sir Francis Drake attacks Spanish vessels and ports in the Spanish Main.
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Apr 1587Sir Francis Drake attacks Cadiz.
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Jul 1588 - Aug 1588The Spanish Armada of Philip II of Spain is defeated in its attempt to invade England.
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28 Jul 1588Francis Drake sends fireships into the Spanish Armada of Philip II of Spain.
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29 Jul 1588The English fleet attacks the Spanish Armada of Philip II of Spain at the Battle of Gravelines, forcing the Spanish to retreat homewards via the Scottish coast.
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Apr 1589 - Jul 1589The Drake-Norris Expedition (aka English Armada or Don Antonio Expedition) attacks Lisbon and ships of Philip II of Spain. It is not successful.
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Aug 1595John Hawkins and Francis Drake lead an unsuccessful expedition against Spanish ships and settlements in Panama and the Caribbean.
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28 Jan 1596Sir Francis Drake dies of dysentery at Portobelo, Panama.
