Francis Drake

Francis Drake was a 16th-century English sea captain, explorer, and privateer. He is best known for being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, completing his voyage between 1577 and 1580. Drake was also a prominent figure during the conflict between England and Spain, notably leading raids against Spanish ships and settlements in the Americas. He played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, which helped establish England as a major naval power. Drake was later knighted by Queen Elizabeth I, reflecting his significance in English history.