On this day, 26th September: Sir Francis Drake becomes first Englishman to complete circumnavigation of the globe

Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the globe was a defining moment in Elizabethan England’s maritime history. His voyage, which began in 1577 and concluded on September 26, 1580, was not only significant for its exploration but also for the treasure he brought back from Spanish ships and colonies. Sailing in his ship, the Golden Hind, Drake crossed the Atlantic, navigated through the treacherous Strait of Magellan, and continued into the Pacific, where he raided Spanish territories. His successful circumnavigation brought wealth to England and challenged Spanish dominance at sea.

Journey Highlights:

1. Royal Commission: Queen Elizabeth I commissioned Drake's expedition, both as an exploratory mission and to weaken Spain's stronghold in the Americas.
2. Strait of Magellan: Drake’s fleet navigated this narrow passage at the southern tip of South America, enduring harsh storms and losing ships.
3. Raiding Spanish Ports: One of Drake’s primary objectives was to raid Spanish settlements and ships. He captured significant wealth, particularly in the Pacific, targeting Spanish gold and silver.
4. Crossing the Pacific: After extensive raiding, Drake crossed the Pacific Ocean, a largely uncharted route for European navigators at the time, and eventually reached the Philippines and East Indies.
5. Return to England: After rounding the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, Drake returned to Plymouth, England in 1580, completing his three-year voyage. His arrival was met with immense celebration, and his ship, Golden Hind, became a symbol of English naval success.

Significance:

Drake's circumnavigation was not only a daring adventure but also a geopolitical victory for England. His exploits contributed to the tensions between England and Spain, eventually leading to the Spanish Armada in 1588. The wealth he amassed during the voyage greatly enriched the English treasury and enhanced Drake's status as a national hero. His feat also paved the way for England’s future naval explorations and colonization efforts, contributing to its rise as a global maritime power.

Queen Elizabeth I knighted him in 1581 aboard the Golden Hind, in recognition of his achievements and the vast riches he brought back from the mission.