Historedia
Person

Francis Drake

Events
4
Episodes
7
Years
1579–1587

Every event in Historedia whose sources name Francis Drake, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Francis Drake lands in California

    1579

    Role: English explorer and privateer

    1. 17 June 1579 · Drakes Bay, Northern CaliforniaLanding and Claim of Nova Albion

      Drake landed in Northern California on 17 June 1579, claiming the land for Elizabeth I and naming it Nova Albion.

    2. 23 July 1579 · New Albion / Drakes BayDeparture from New Albion

      Drake and his crew departed New Albion on 23 July 1579, leaving no colony behind.

  2. Francis Drake Returns to Plymouth

    1580

    Role: Commander

    1. 26 September 1580 · PlymouthReturn to Plymouth

      Drake arrived in Plymouth on 26 September 1580 with 59 crew and Spanish treasures.

  3. Knighthood of Francis Drake

    1580–1581

    Role: Recipient of knighthood

    1. 26 September 1580 · PlymouthReturn of the Golden Hind

      Drake returned to Plymouth in September 1580 with the Golden Hind and 59 crew members after completing the circumnavigation.

    2. 4 April 1581 · DeptfordKnighthood Ceremony in Deptford

      Elizabeth I knighted Drake aboard the Golden Hind in Deptford on 4 April 1581, with the dubbing performed by a French diplomat.

  4. Drake's Raid on Cádiz

    1587

    Role: English privateer and fleet commander

    1. 1587 · UnknownAftermath and Boast

      Drake boasted of singeing the King's beard while privately warning Elizabeth to prepare for a delayed invasion.

    2. April 1587 · Bay of CádizRaid on Cádiz

      Drake's fleet attacked Spanish naval forces in the Bay of Cádiz, destroying much of the fleet and supplies.

Sources

  1. Francis Drake Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-18
  2. Singeing the King of Spain's Beard Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-07