Famed Elizabethan explorer Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe,1577-80 on The Golden Hind, under a commission to attack the Spaniards, destroying many vessels and capturing immense booty in Spanish America. In 1587 Drake commanded the fleet, which destroyed over 100 ships at Cadiz, breaking up a contemplated invasion of England. Drake was made vice-admiral and commanded in the battle in 1588 which destroyed the Spanish Armada. He died on board his ship "Defiance" off Porto Bello and was buried at sea. Many have claimed descendency from this great man but alas, although twice married he fathered no children. Upon his death, his estate in Devon passed to his nephew and godson also named Francis Drake, son of the Admiral's brother Thomas.
Famed Elizabethan explorer Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe,1577-80 on The Golden Hind, under a commission to attack the Spaniards, destroying many vessels and capturing immense booty in Spanish America. In 1587 Drake commanded the fleet, which destroyed over 100 ships at Cadiz, breaking up a contemplated invasion of England. Drake was made vice-admiral and commanded in the battle in 1588 which destroyed the Spanish Armada. He died on board his ship "Defiance" off Porto Bello and was buried at sea. Many have claimed descendency from this great man but alas, although twice married he fathered no children. Upon his death, his estate in Devon passed to his nephew and godson also named Francis Drake, son of the Admiral's brother Thomas.
Of Crapstone, M.P. for Bere Alston; Lieut-Col. of Plymouth garrison for Parliament.
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