About
Sea captain and slaver who commanded the English fleet against the Spanish Armada under Elizabeth I of England in 1588. Though integral to the success and gain of England's riches during the time of his activity, he was not looked favorably upon by everyone. At one point there was a large bounty put on his head by King Philip II, then the King of Spain and Portugal.
Before Fame
He made his first sea voyage to the New World when he was 23. His fascination with the sea began at an early age, after he and his family moved to Kent, England, and lived on an old ship.
Trivia
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth on April 4, 1581. She personally enlisted him as a privateer to sail to the Americas.
Family Life
He married Mary Newman in 1569, and she died shortly after. At the time of his own death, he was married to Elizabeth Sydenham. He was born the eldest of 12 sons.
Associated With
He was sent by Elizabeth I to make expeditions on several occasions.
