Sir Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake was an English sea captain, privateer, and explorer during the late 16th century. Born around 1540, he is best known for becoming the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, completing this journey in the Golden Hind between 1577 and 1580. Drake played a significant role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and was also involved in the establishment of English footholds in the Americas. He was both celebrated as a national hero in England and regarded as a pirate by Spain, reflecting the complexities of maritime politics during his time.