Today in 1578 a ship called the Pelican sailed into the Pacific ocean on a trip that would ultimately lead to a circumnavigation of the globe. Already over a year into its journey, it still had 2 years left, and the entire country had given the crew up for dead when they crept back into Plymouth Harbor in 1580. The ship was captained by Sir Francis Drake, and we now call it the Golden Hinde, and it was the first English ship to sail around the globe. Francis Drake assured his sovereign that he was, indeed, alive, and then he proceeded to wow her with the treasure that his boat was filled with. Sir Francis Drake would be one of the leading Captain’s of Elizabeth’s navy, and played a pivotal role in fighting the Spanish in 1588.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.
Episode Link:
Throwback Episode 31: Trade and Exploration in the 16th century
Episode 114: Richard Hakluyt - England's first Travel Writer