Drake: England's Greatest Seafarer by Ernle Bradford

Sir Francis Drake was one of the most famous and successful English explorers of all time. He was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, and he played a leading role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Drake's life was full of adventure and excitement, and his story has been told and retold for centuries.

One of the most comprehensive and well-written biographies of Drake is Drake: England's Greatest Seafarer by Ernle Bradford. Bradford was a British naval historian who wrote extensively about the Tudor period. His biography of Drake is based on extensive research, and it is written in a lively and engaging style. Bradford's account of Drake's life is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of exploration or the life of Sir Francis Drake.

Drake: England's Greatest Seafarer

by Ernle Bradford

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Early Life

Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon, England, in 1540. He was the eldest son of Edmund Drake, a Protestant minister, and Mary Mylwaye. Drake's father died when he was young, and his mother remarried to a man named John Hawkins. Hawkins was a wealthy merchant and shipbuilder, and he introduced Drake to the world of seafaring.

Drake began his seafaring career at the age of 12, when he joined Hawkins on a trading voyage to the Canary Islands. Drake quickly proved to be a skilled sailor, and he soon rose through the ranks. By the age of 18, he was captain of his own ship. Drake spent the next several years trading and exploring in the Caribbean Sea.

Voyages to the New World

In 1572, Drake embarked on his first major expedition to the New World. He sailed to the Caribbean Sea, where he raided Spanish settlements and captured Spanish ships. Drake's raids were so successful that he became known as the "Dragon of the Indies." In 1577, Drake set out on his most famous voyage, a circumnavigation of the globe. Drake's expedition lasted three years, and he became the first Englishman to sail around the world. During his voyage, Drake raided Spanish settlements in the Pacific Ocean and captured a Spanish treasure ship.

Circumnavigation of the Globe

Drake's circumnavigation of the globe was a major achievement. It proved that the world was round, and it opened up new possibilities for trade and exploration. Drake's voyage also had a significant impact on English history. It helped to establish England as a major naval power, and it inspired a new generation of English explorers.

Later Career

After his circumnavigation of the globe, Drake continued to serve as a naval commander. He played a leading role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Drake died in 1596, while on an expedition to the West Indies. He was buried at sea, off the coast of Panama.

Legacy

Francis Drake was one of the most famous and successful English explorers of all time. He was a skilled sailor, a daring adventurer, and a brilliant naval commander. Drake's achievements helped to establish England as a major naval power, and they inspired a new generation of English explorers. Drake's legacy continues to this day, and he is still remembered as one of England's greatest heroes.

Drake: England's Greatest Seafarer

by Ernle Bradford

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE