Sir Francis Drake, a remarkable English explorer and naval commander, led an extraordinary life as both a celebrated admiral and controversial pirate. His most notable achievement was becoming the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.
• Born in 1540 near Navistock Devon, Drake rose from humble beginnings to become one of history's most influential maritime figures
• His explorations took him across multiple continents, including significant voyages to India, South America, and various Spanish territories
• Despite his reputation as a skilled navigator, Drake's legacy is complex due to his involvement in piracy and slave trading
• His relationship with Queen Elizabeth I was particularly strong, though he was deeply feared by the Spanish
• Drake's final days were spent in Panama, where he died in 1596