Sir Francis Drake Reading

How did Drake get his early start at living life on the high seas?

Drake (c. 1540 – 1596) was born the eldest of 12 sons, in Tavistock, Devon. His father,
Edmund Drake, was a farmer and preacher. The family later moved to Kent, where they
lived in an old ship and it was there that his fascination with sailing began. The reason
for the move is not entirely certain: the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549 angered
Catholics, who could have then made it difficult for Drake’s Protestant family, or it may
be that Edmund was involved in petty crime. Francis had a trading ship left to him by his
apprenticeship boss at the age of 20, which was perhaps the catalyst for his historic
naval achievements.

How did Drake amass his fortune?

Drake and his second cousin, Richard Hawkins, led one of the first private slavery trips
to West Africa in 1567. It was illegal in English law to capture people and transport
them, but in those days it was perceived as ok if they were slaves, non-protestants or
criminals! They were attacked by Spanish vessels and only two of the six British ships
survived (those led by Drake and Hawkins themselves). This information quickly came
to her majesty’s attention.

Describe Drake’s relationship with the Spanish.

not good, would steal from spanish and give to english

To the Spanish, ‘El Draque’ (The Dragon) was a wayward pirate, a threat to their
voyages. The king of Spain and Portugal, King Philip II was said to have offered the
huge sum of 20,000 ducats (£4 million) for Drake’s life.

Describe Drake’s unique relationship with Queen Elizabeth I of England.

worked as privateer

Describe his accomplishments when it came to the Americas.

set up british colony in California

Describe how Drake died and what became of his body?

never found, dumped in lead coffin in ocean