But once England and Spain had reached a temporary peace, Drake’s privateering services were not needed. Drake became a hero to the English people. Drake spent the next several years commanding several vessels raiding and destroying Spanish fleets. A privateer is similar to a pirate, but unlike pirates who raid for their personal use, privateers are usually hired and paid. After his return to England, Drake happily accepted a position by Queen Elizabeth I in 1570 to become a privateer. This battle would create a deep hatred for the Spanish in Drake. Four of the ships were destroyed, but the Judith survived. It was not long before the Spanish attacked the English fleet. 3 They had six ships including the Minion – captained by Hawkins – and the Judith – captained by Drake. In October 1567, Hawkins and Drake arrived at San Juan de Ulúa on the Mexican coast ready to trade. But Drake and Hawkins often encountered problems. But this did not stop people like Hawkins and Drake. England and Spain were often at war with each other, and as such, the Spanish banned trading with the English in their colonies. Drake joined him on his trading trips to the New World.Īt this time, much of the Caribbean islands, South America, and Mexico were controlled by the Spanish empire. They would travel to Africa, where they would capture and chain Africans, sail across the Atlantic, and sell the African people to European colonists. In 1567, he went to work for his cousin John Hawkins who was a slave trader.

While here, Drake was taught several skills that a sailor would have, including how to sail and how to navigate, and was also provided food and shelter. In the early 1550s, young Francis began working as an apprentice on a trading ship. Very little is known or certain about his childhood and education. 2 They lived on a large farm, and his father was also able to make money as a farmer. This is someone who used a skilled technique to soften cloth. 1 His father, Edmund Drake, was a shearman. But to the English, most saw him a hero.įrancis Drake was born at Tavistock, in Devonshire, England around 1540, although the exact date is not certain. Some would call Sir Francis Drake a pirate, others would call him a privateer. His strong dislike for the Spanish motivated him to destroy and loot as many Spanish vessels as possible. During his world voyage, he explored much of the northwestern part of the modern United States. He also became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. This helped England to create a great empire in the New World. He played a major role in the destruction and defeat of the mighty Spanish Armada. Sir Francis Drake’s adventurous life was filled with many accomplishments.

Historic San Francisco by Rand Richards