The date is July 1588. Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne.

The Spanish Armada is anchored in Calais and there is one final attack planned to see them off.

Before Sir Francis can leave on his mission to attack, his ship must pass its annual inspection.

It's true that Drake was a Vice Admiral. Fire ships were a real tactic in war. It's true that they didnt have a professional army, rather they were anyone that had something to do with sailing or boats! It's true that he was born in landlocked Tavistock but grew up in Kent and learnt his apprenticeship there. The story about the lanterns being blown out to get past the Spanish is true.

He was indeed a purser on his return to Plymouth. His tactic of getting a crew member to talk Spanish or show English only documents is true. The tactic of stealing Spanish treasure is real. He was known to remove some plunder for himself before it was declared back in England. He was put in the tower for that behaviour! The story about sinking his brother's boat is true. He really did lie to his crew about going to the Magellen Strait. The story about Thomas Doughty was true. He did indeed rename the Pelican as the Golden Hind (image 4). It's true that when the ship was open to the public, 100 people fell into the water and Elizabeth's garter fell off.

If you want to find out more about Drake, check out the sources and places below:

Sir Francis Drake - Dr John Sugden

The Queen's Pirate: Sir Francis Drake and the Golden Hind - Kevin Jackson

Tavistock, Devon