Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake was one of Elizabeth I's favourites, a very successful sea captain and privateer.

He was second-in-command of the fleet which defeated the Spanish Armada. Story says that Drake was enjoying a bowls match at Plymouth Hoe when the Spanish ships were sighted but carried on playing, saying there was plenty of time to finish the game and still beat the Spaniards!

Drake also completed the second circumnavigation (sailing right around) of the world in 1577-1580.

A hero to the English, 'El Draque', as they called him, was hated by the Spanish as a pirate with a large reward on offer for his capture.