Francis Drake
Francis Drake (1540-96), English admiral, the first Briton to sail round the world. After making his name and his fortune in battles against the Spanish, he voyaged round the world in the Golden Hind (1577-80). Although he set off with four other ships, they became separated and he was left to complete the voyage alone. He was knighted on his return and became mayor of Plymouth in 1582. He was admiral of the fleet that stormed Cadiz in 1587 and a year later he led the attack on the Spanish Armada.
