Sir Francis Drake: England's Greatest Hero

[@DanDavisHistory]

Get an exclusive @Surfshark Black Friday deal! Enter promo code DDHISTORY to get up to 6 additional months for free at surfshark.deals/ddhistory

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Hey fellow viewers. If you've not read Mr. Brown's fiction, let me tell you . . . I just finished God-born, the first book. It's an immersive experience that richly brings to life a time far removed from human memory. I'm going on to the second book very soon. This would make an excellent gift for fans of the fantasy-fiction genre at the emergence of the Bronze Age.

[@hotstepper887]

Walter Raleigh next?

[@DanDavisHistory]

Good idea!

[@pasquinomarforio]

Great story. Again. Thanks.

[@jordijones]

@@DanDavisHistory An in-depth comparison of Cochrane and Smith? Not sure anyone's done that yet.

[@commieswine]

As a Californian its insane to me that he made it this far. We dont have many opportunities to physically engage with history. So being at Drake's bay and imagining English sailors landing there so many years ago as a kid helped fire my passion for history! Thank you covering such a fascinating character.

[@DanDavisHistory]

What's amazing to me is that they sailed past San Francisco Bay but their accounts don't mention it. So they either saw it and decided against going into it or they somehow missed it entirely. Maybe they were too far out to sea at that point or maybe it was foggy.

[@theeddorian]

@@DanDavisHistory San Francisco Bay was discovered by a party traveling by land. The entry is not that obvious from the sea. E Clampus Vitus members played a prank on a fellow member and friend, planting a plaque to found showing that Drake's Bay was, indeed, Drake's Bay. The joke worked too well, and rather than embarrass their friend, a serious historian, the truth was kept secret until after he died. It was, as far as California's history is concerned, a hoax on scale similar to Piltdown. E Clampus Vitus was a Gold Rush-era humourous pastiche society founded to make fun of the Masons and other "secret" societies, whose members tended to make production of their secrets and membership. The motto is Credo quia absurdum. It is still going strong. There is a good discussion on WIkipedia for the interested.

[@commieswine]

@@DanDavisHistory the fog is definitely an issue. I've been on the Golden gate when it was so thick you could maybe see 100ft? To me thats the simplest answer, but who knows.

[@philsooty61]

Nice one, but remember he was a bit of a scoundrel but those where different times and sometimes you need people like him!

[@duaneaikins4621]

@@DanDavisHistoryI can not imagine that they would sail with the fog that thick. The California coast is littered with rocky islands and they didn’t know the coast.

[@hotstepper887]

So much British history has been distorted, lied about, and criticized, that hearing accounts of our history without that endless barrage of unfounded hate, is fantastic, interesting and educational. Great stuff, thank you.

[@EstbXCIII]

Sadly, I think the state of British history is in a lot of danger. Young people and especially the woke mob are severely tainting ture British history. Britains historical figures are being hijacked and being represented by nom-British actors like the way Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Charlotte of Spain, King Richard the III etc. are being played by black people. Non-Europeans are denying us our history by rewriting it and claiming that European history is actually black history and all of it's achievements are the work of black ppl that white people stole from them. And now the most recent claim is that it was black and brown people that built Britain after WWii. Britain and Europe has welcomed In millions of migrants from war and poverty stricken countries yet this is how we are repayed. We welcome them to live in a country to live a quality of life that they would never have even dreamed of back in their homeland and then completely throw us under the bus.

[@libertycoffeehouse3944]

The British have a proud history. The Ancient Rights of Englishmen, representative government, and limited government was a blessing to the world.

[@hyperboreanforeskin]

the people who lie about Our History have names and addresses.

[@jtjames79]

​@@hyperboreanforeskin Well that escalated quickly. Don't civilize me bro!

[@hyperboreanforeskin]

@@jtjames79 just an observation

[@williamcathcart7994]

Thank you Sir. You certainly do weave magic. As a young boy, my across the street buddies were twin boys. Their father was an Englishman. He was a sailor in Royal Navy during WW II . His ship took damage and he was wounded. His ship came here to Charleston, South Carolina for repairs in our shipyard. While he was recovering, he met a local girl. After the war, they were married and settled here. He was talented carpenter who built sailing dinghies in his workshop. He taught how to sail and compete in local regattas. While we watched him build his boats, he regaled us with the adventures of Sir Francis Drake. He was a good man.

[@thewayfarer8849]

Remember lads; always aim to be so famous your enemies make a passtime of your death. Really love these videos Dan, great history coverage.

[@normagordon1375]

Learned about Sir Francis Drake by my Mum as a child in Jamaica. She would always give us extra homework and caused us to love world history so much! Sir Francis Drake was such a fascinating discovery for us, we read, talked and sang about him. Still love history today because of her and Drake will forever be a favorite... So glad to be able to partake of this lovely piece!❤️

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, I'm delighted to hear of the passion you and your family have for history.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

Pirate Drake was wounded and lost The Battle Of San Juan in year 1595. He already had lost the Battle of The Counter Armada a few years before. Drake lost too and fled to Panama, wounded, where he also failed to win. Drake, now wounded and depressed after losing so many ships and men in the last 3 battles he was assigned to, and too ashamed to return to England as big loser, he died from the battle wounds and depression due big failures. Admiral Hemmings, another director of the Great Armada battle was killed in that battle too and was hurry up buried at sea, all mangled in front of San Juan. But the Brittish reported Hemmings died of a Tropical disease BEFORE the battle of San Juan.. And Drake also died from a TROPICAL DISEASE AFTER the battle. Big Lies. Both died from TROPICAL CANNONFIRE from the 70 cannons of El Morro Fortress in Puerto Rico, the biggest in the caribbean, even now. British Empire covered up that 2 of their 3 “Great admirals” of the Great Armada battle died in The Battle of San Juan in 1595. Tropical disease died was a big lie. Pirates dead by PR.. LOL..

[@StoutProper]

@@emergencylowmaneuvering7350he was in his 70s mate and defeated the invading armadas so it’s ok

[@AndyorAndrew]

The BBC could never make a documentary this good, thank you

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

BBC has made many classic documentaries as good as these. It is good to have two excellent sources. 😅

[@Martini_GP]

Seriously? Read the comment above. Regards.

[@olddirtybasterd-ex2vb]

Not true, the BBC gave money to freelance historian legends like Ruth Goodman.

[@thepm3972]

Attenborough ¿??

[@willevans429]

@@Martini_GP we have all read the comment above, BBC have made many classic docs, what kind of a comment is that?

[@klaunwelt4404]

This is absolutely outstanding. I’ve watched it twice now and will watch it with my son next. Dan Davis’ work is peerless. What a terrific antidote to the parlous state of contemporary history programming.

[@davidwhelan1545]

What a man! I'm lucky enough to have lived,worked and retired on his wider Manor! Great man.

[@Kevin-bl6lg]

Fascinating! How did he treat you and others when he was at his home?

[@davidwhelan1545]

@@Kevin-bl6lg very reasonably, thanks for enquiring.

[@klaunwelt4404]

Dan Davis’ content is an absolute treasure. Thank you Dan. It is such a treat to see a new video from you, and this one being so long is a delight.

[@sreveparker2011]

Thankyou for your documentary. As a West country boy, and with a great fondness of the oceans, I have always hooked on to Francis Drake. This story you have narrated has been most helpful to me, once again thankyou.

[@martinphilip8998]

@@sreveparker2011 I’m a Yank but have lived in Bristol. Have you been to the top of Cabot Tower? Great memories from those times some fifty years ago. I had college bound schoolmates and early school leavers in the neighborhood as my mates. I learned so much from them all!

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

As a native Vancouver Islander, I learned about Drake in school (along with other European explorers of Canada's west coast). The highest mountain on the island, at 2195 m (7200 ft) is named "The Golden Hinde," as Drake reported spotting it in the far distance. I think it's kind of cool that the northernmost part of his epic voyage was where I grew up and live! Thanks for this, Dan.

[@Carcajou72]

Didn't know that about The Golden Hinde. I also live on Vancouver Island.

[@dancarter482]

@@Carcajou72 I assume you know all about _Captain Van_ though?

[@MariaVictoriaGarciaAzuero]

It never happened. Drake stopped near San Francisco in 1579 on his way to cross the Pacific Ocean. Which by the way. It was already a highway for the maritime Spanish empire having discovered the Philippines (after Felipe II king of Spain) as early as 1525 by a monk, cosmographer, Urdaneta. Google it!

[@battambangscooterandmotorc303]

I'm with ya. Way before Cook & Vancouver eh?

[@joezephyr]

Fabulous thank you!! I am Australian and I was in Plymouth in May and made a point of seeing his statue.

[@davidludford2164]

Absolutely brilliant,I was in Panama City last may,and my plan was to go to portobello and throw some flowers in to the sea for our hero,I let the side down,but I have promised my self next time,and there will be a next time,my next new country Bhutan will be country 155,and I have devoted my life to travel,a few weeks back I was in Calcutta for the cricket England v Pakistan,the British history in India is truly amazing,I am so happy to have found your channel at 01.00 in my home in rural Thailand,as you must know the British maritime museum in Greenwich is a total joke concerning sir Francis drake,thank you for your brilliance

[@suzannejones5992]

With that title, a must watch. Always a hero in my mind. Thank you.

[@martinezperez9026]

Amazing documentary, Dan, as always. As a Spaniard, I never learned a single word about Drake as a kid in school; just, from the movies, that he was a pirate and a buccaneer. I was surprised by all the parallels between his circumnavigation of the world and that of the Magellan-Elcano (el Cano) expedition 60 years earlier. Both Drake and Magellan faced challenges to their command from high-born people in their armadas due in part to a lack of clarity as to the chain of command, both confronted this obstacle in the exact same spot, the Bay of San Julián, and both ended up eliminating the challengers to their authority (Magellan had two men executed, marooned other two). After the Pacific crossing, both reached the exact same islands, both had the exact same experience with the natives and both gave the island the exact same name! (Magellan called it Isla de los Ladrones: Island of Thieves). I wonder if Drake had available any chronicle of the Magellan journey (if I am not mistaken, Pigafetta’s account made the rounds in Europe) and he may have just confirmed the name he may have known Magellan gave the island. I also wonder if Drake encountered the same troubles with scurvy during the Pacific crossing as Magellan. No one knew about the effects of carrying citrus fruits on board at either time, right? Then, both expeditions stopped at Ternate and acquired great amounts of Clove... I was also surprised of how fast Drake travelled the Indian Ocean and made it back to Europe compared to el Cano (who took 5 months, although he lost the mizzenmast in a storm in Cape of Hope and also went out into the Atlantic to shake off Potuguesse pursuers from Cabo Verde). Both el Cano’s and Drake’s ships spent 3 years at sea, being both brand new when they started, so they must have been equally deteriorated by shipworm. I wonder how much ships and the art of navigation may have advanced in the intervening 60 years... neither one had steering wheel yet, which was introduced in the 1700’s... The whip-staff (or gooseneck? for the rudder?) appears around 1513 in Spain, so Magellan might have already had it in 1518, but I read descriptions in which they seem to have been steering with just the rudder arm (tiller?), as they did at the time of Columbus; by Drake’s time they must have all been fitted with the whip-staff... Although in many modern retellings of Magellan’s trip it is presumed that they used the common log to calculate speed, I believe in 1518 the device didn’t exist yet... but it probably did by the time of Drake... They both had quadrants but not Sextants or Octants (I ignore if the English also used astrolabes like the Castilians)... Regarding the Invincible Armada, I understand that the Castilians meant to bring their infantry on board in Flanders, but weren’t able because the English engaged them in the English Channel (as you describe) and the Dutch blocked access to the Flemish ports (considering the ultimate outcome, if the Castilian tercios had all been on board, they would have drowned and that would have really been a crippling blow to Spain’s grip on Europe). From what I read, after several gunnery exchanges both armadas ran out of ordnance, but while the English were able to re-ammunition in their own coasts, the Castilians were cut off from Spain by the English fleet and from their Flemish safe harbor by the Dutch and became sitting ducks. If the English had previously been hard pressed to penetrate the Castilian hulls, they were now able to fire at a much closer range; then, as you describe, when the Castilians attempted to flee around Scotland and Ireland to save their ships, their armada was shipwrecked by storms. In Spain, of course, we emphasize how few ships were lost to enemy fire and how many to the storms :)

[@JimmyYuen-n5n]

When was disease like scurvy first discovered on the british navy was it im christopher columbus time also how about the penal trips to australia was it to tesmania new south wales

[@olddirtybasterd-ex2vb]

@@JimmyYuen-n5n The need to prevent scurvy was known knowledge in ancient times and Roman times and remained so by some Asians and Africans (Muslims) but was lost by Europeans.

[@SETILES1991]

Leyenda negra

[@DavidJohnRedwood]

@@martinezperez9026 I could be mistaken, but I have a strong feeling Drake knew of the Straits of Megallen and planned to go through them if possible and were it not possible to sail around the passage between the south of South America and the part of Antarctica that junts out nearest to South America. I have forgotten whether he made it via the Straits or via the Antarctic - South America passage. There is a bit of open sea called the "Drake Passage" I think, around there somewhere. Perhaps he sailed through the passage and it got named after him later(?)

[@DavidJohnRedwood]

@@olddirtybasterd-ex2vb Captain Cook definitely did know, but that still leaves a good while when navigators might not have been aware. So was Captain Bligh - of Bounty fame - but he had voyaged with Cook so it stands to reason (?)

[@marniebawlf2786]

Thank You Dan for this marvelous documentary. My husband wrote the book, The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake (by Samuel Bawlf) mentioned by @bietuns earlier in this comment section. He was passionate about Drake's historical voyages since his childhood. Thoroughly enjoyed this. He would have enjoyed this as well but sadly passed away in 2016.

[@stephenburnage7687]

I read that book! A great story.

[@danrubin4506]

Marnie, I have a copy of that book among my sailing books. I treasure it. Very well written and valuable to know the details of Drake’s exploration of the Americas.

[@MK-nd2ij]

May your deceased husband rest in peace, I was looking for an opportunity to read a book and I decided to read his book! Good luck!

[@DavidJohnRedwood]

@@marniebawlf2786 My condolences re the passing of your husband. I have definitely read the book you cite. I am not sure now if Drake was up that north coast to look for Spanish treasure or to find a NW passage to get back to the Atlantic over the top of Canada. You can be very proud of your late husband's work. RIP.

[@NorwayT]

This was an impressive presentation of one of History's most remarkable Mariners and Heroes, Dan Davis History! KUDOS! Well done, sir!

[@Survivethejive]

Every time you drink a mojito, you must toast this bad lad

[@aljazcapuder4041]

14:55 😊 15:08 😊😊 15:34

[@StoutProper]

They weren’t invented back then

[@Survivethejive]

@@StoutProper Drake invented them

[@douglasparker577]

Excellent work. Thank you very much. Sir Francis Drake = England's greatest hero.

[@juanmorales5133]

hero???? PIRATE and defeaed by the spanish empire at panama, and the english armada in spain 1589. less fake english propaganda and lies

[@honestorchard]

This should be shown in schools. Great content! You're a treasure Dan.

[@gustavodiniz6156]

SI DEBERIA CONTARSE EN LAS ESCUELAS LO LADRONES QUE FUERON.

[@Charles-oo8bq]

Thank you brother. The imagery of the olde ships interior were beautiful. Blessings from Bavaria

[@roberttreborable]

Thank you for such a full fascinating story of one of my Childhood heroes. I well remember our primary school teacher Mr Dunn telling us, "Sir Francis Drake, took gold from the Spanish Galleons, but he didn't really steal it because that gold had been stolen, by the Spanish from the native people, it didn't belong to the Spanish they had stolen it, so Francis Drake took it off them". "When he got home, the Spanish King complained to Elizabeth and she was going to punish him, but Sir Francis said he had taken to gold as a present for her, because she as Queen would know what to do with it, and so the Queen changed her mind"... I've remembered that all these years.

[@juanmorales5133]

spanish did not steal any gold from natives becouse natives were spanish in the new world,redneck. English killed all the native in northamerica and australia, Francis drake was a pirate and defeated by the spanish empire in Spain. The english armada 1589.

[@Gloriaimperial1]

Spain did not steal the gold of America. Mexico and Peru produce more gold and silver every year in the 21st century than the Spanish empire did in 100 years. We reinvested 70% of American wealth in America (80% in the 18th century) to build a Western civilization there. 2000 stone cities, 28 universities, 400 cathedrals, thousands of nursery schools, 300 fortresses, 850 hospitals... That is why Hispanic America has 90% native Spanish speakers. 99% speak Spanish. 85% are Catholic. There is a territory the size of Germany around Madrid, where only 8 million people live. It is called Spanish Lapland. Millions of Spaniards went to America, and that area of ​​Spain became impoverished. 20-30% of the wealth that came to Spain was for the 200-year war against 5 European powers (France, England, Protestant Germany, the Netherlands and the Turkish empire), to save the Catholic religion. And for our NATO of 457 in Italy, as well as to fill Asia with silver, by trading. Commonwealth 10% native English speakers. Less than 10% of the Commonwealth is Christian. Almost all the wealth of the British and Dutch empires went to London and Amsterdam until almost the 20th century (trade empires). Spain did a Romanization. The Americans and Filipinos were Spanish, like us, not a colony. Anyway Drake was defeated in 1589, by the Spanish fleet, which sank 60-80 English ships. Elisabeth was so angry that she condemned Drake to be a lighthouse keeper. When she pardoned Drake, he lost 5 battles in the Spanish Caribbean and died. He is a great sailor, but this was the result.

[@Stephen2K4]

I loved the movie Master and Commander. Now I need a movie based on Sir Francis Drake. What an adventurer.

[@madMARTYNmarsh1981]

Now isn't the best time in history to make such a film. Drake would magically become a black lesbian woman. 'For modern audiences'.

[@alexjn5460]

Yeah that's a great shout actually. 'Drake' (2025) Starring Christian Bale as Sir Francis Drake

[@stevencarroll8315]

Captain Cochraine was based in Master & Commander, check out his life story, that guy is a legend to our navy.

[@rexrecumbent]

Na the papacy own Hollywood, sadly that will never happen...

[@bear1245]

Yes so many British historical figures deserve a movie. Like Napoleon getting a movie, well so should Nelson too! See Drake of England (1935) by Arthur Woods.

[@NarlyLyfe]

Thanks for this gem, have already listened to it like 5 times while I'm at work.

[@q.e.d.9112]

Excellent, expertly told history. Well done.👍👍👍 1:14:10 The reason Drake continued with his game of bowls is that his ships couldn’t leave until the tide turned and, when it did, the Spanish would be pushed back seawards. He also wanted to follow them up channel, giving him the weather gauge. His smaller, nimbler ships could always escape upwind, if they found themselves out gunned. The armada, travelling in convoy at the speed of the slowest ship, could be picked off, a ship or two at a time.

[@juanmorales5133]

drake and his English armada at a Coruna Spain 1589 defeated by a woma Maria Pita, even in panama defeated by the spanish empire and he died by disenteria like an animal.

[@q.e.d.9112]

@@juanmorales5133 Hi Juan, In what way is your comment relevant to my post? I merely stated a simple fact and having sailed yachts in and out of Plymouth Sound on many occasions I know a little bit about it. Drake carried on with his game because there was no point in rushing about like a headless chook. He couldn’t set off until the tide turned and he wanted to be following the Spanish fleet eastward rather than meeting them as they approached from the west.

[@edwardwong654]

Drake is one of the most incredible and greatest person in history. I am a long and big fan of Sir Admiral Nelson but I think it is hard to beat Sir Drake, especially if you are an Anglophile.

[@elvenkind6072]

I'm only halfway into this, but just had to take a pause to say how much I loved this story telling, and the feeling of adventure it gives me. I have to commend you for the beautiful illustrations, pictures, video, music and well spoken storytelling. Have you perhaps thought about writing non-fiction books, after having studied it to the depths? I would certainly not mind reading it, or rather listening to audio-books of it, preferably with you yourself as the narrator of it. Great job Mr. Davis, looking forward to more, so changing the subscription to get notified for every new one.

[@manxman8008]

Amazing - I didn't realise they sailed the world so much

[@craig2129]

This is a masterpiece that is better than anything on television. Thank you.

[@janvanhoyk8375]

definitely the most fascinating one of these more historical stories you have yet told.

[@joelhernstrom6060]

The intro gave me chills. Top work man!

[@shantiescovedo4361]

It is astonishing that this video has so few likes. I have read books about Drake and this video is so much more fun and the density of information means I often have to rewind to watch a part again.

[@MariaVictoriaGarciaAzuero]

Panamá “Drake… Drake stayed for two weeks and ransomed the town but on hearing no answer he ordered the town destroyed and so it was set ablaze. All of the ships in the harbour (consisting of frigates, barks, and galliots) were thoroughly pillaged, after which they were all destroyed or burnt. Although no money was found in the town, a watchtower on the summit of a nearby hill was discovered which contained a chest of silver along with two bars of gold, some pearls, and other valuables.[12]… We were undefeated. Again.

[@philiptownsend4026]

I like the way Drake's portrait changes expressions. Did anyone else notice?

[@ML69898]

A timeless video. I know I will come back to this one many times in the future and ponder on Drakes deeds and adventures. Keep doing what you are doing. Your storytelling and narrative skills are top notch. Your channel may not be the behemoth that other channels are but you can get there with this kind of content. Grounded, detailed history is the best!

[@roberttreborable]

I know I'll also be coming back to this video.

[@STATERECALLMUSIC]

I loved this. I learned more about drake than I did at school!

[@markhughes7927]

1:29:09 Have recognised his spirit abroad as recently as the 1990s - and worth remembering concerning ‘the other one’ that in 2005 (200 years after) marine traffic passing Portsmouth some 200 - 300 ships from all nations stopped - faced inwards to the port and saluted with every siren they had got at an appointed hour!

[@gordisbella719]

Great Documentary, I see Drake in a whole new way. Thank you I enjoyed this !!!

[@bitesizeforaging6983]

This is fascinating, it takes real skill to make a documentary like this. Brilliant narration. Thanks.

[@Jesusisafriendofmine]

My paternal grandmother's family are descended from him. My great great aunt the last to have any of his wealth. Really cool to hear his story.

[@NarlyLyfe]

cap, the Drake line died out in the 18th century.

[@philiptownsend4026]

How could he have descendents? He had no children.

[@domfrancis3140]

​@@philiptownsend4026he had 11 brothers many of whom probably had children, a niece/nephew are still descendants even if not directly.

[@NarlyLyfe]

his brother@@philiptownsend4026

[@NarlyLyfe]

his brother took over everything after he died.

[@hilding2063]

What an unreal man from a today's perspective. Unbelievable his daring. I enjoyed your story telling very much.

[@WildWestRosie]

That quiet, sly change to Drake's portrait 1:06:35 was the best part of all of this! Nope, the full grin is! 1:07:31

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks for noticing. These little things amuse me and I'm glad they do you too.

[@philiptownsend4026]

Ah you noticed too ;-)

[@MartinKillips]

I knew the basics about Drake but didn't realise he was centuries ahead in his regard to native people. He truly was an astonishing man. Thabk you for this doco - it has been the perfect accompaniment whilst I painted my new house extension!

[@liezldldb]

Yeh, I have been waiting for new share! Quality as alsways! Baie dankie, meneer Davis

[@laara1426]

Excellent presentation on the life of the great Sir Francis Drake !

[@joedredd1168]

Here is glorious Devon, we know this man well, hail Sir Francis Drake! The Dragon of the Waves.

[@mikemccartneyable]

This story and production was absolutely phenomenal. Well done!

[@markwhitbread7383]

Well done Dan. Another great documentary from you. Objective, informative and entertaining. What more could we ask for?

[@MailSivad]

Such a great video. Did the old boy proud. Well done.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much.

[@MixedRaceAndProud1690]

Excellent video & thank you for sharing 🙏 .. videos like this on British history should be shown in every school so that our history & heritage isn’t erased from the education system for good !!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you for watching.

[@philiptownsend4026]

The pressure on us these days is that we should be ashamed of our history. A great shame as we led the world in so many ways.

[@MixedRaceAndProud1690]

@@philiptownsend4026 - Sadly very true .. the amount of people who think history only started in the 18th century & that Great Britain, & its Empire, were at fault for everything bad that has happened in the last 300 years .. narrow, weak minded, brain washed sheep who believe the lies spread by the soulless, politically motivated, Anglo-Phobic media & press .. ALL those brave people, from so many different countries around the World, who sacrificed so much for our, supposed, freedom would be turning in their graves at what Britain has become & it’s certainly not Great anymore

[@HikerBikerMoter]

just tell the kids to pull up there phone, go to YT - then start watching (and growing intellectually) 😊

[@peterpiper_203]

That was Awesome Thanks so much for bringing us along Felt like I was kid in school reading about these captains of the seas

[@MotDoiAnLac258]

Many thanks for sharing.

[@Joecard71]

I listened and waited for the word Tavistock, then I listened more. Good job enjoyed

[@MrTomFlan]

Truly awesome Dan! I knew drake was an extraordinary character but I didn’t know half of this.

[@jjuniper274]

As a distant relative of Drake, this is very cool to watch. Thank you.

[@jonlan7173]

A man who is gracious to his captives is truly a gentleman !

[@VincentComet-l8e]

Thank you so much for this - what a splendid and stirring story!

[@hetty43]

Fascinating history. Mind blowing how he navigated all those distances. The bravery of those sailors. A Devon man too. Well done. Great video thanks.

[@timmytwodogs]

Drake was my childhood hero. He was one of the greatest sailors in history.

[@DFranco23]

Slave trader

[@celtibero599]

In Spain is consider no more than pirate and a plunderer who was made an admiral

[@rossrreyes]

Great Sailor and greatest Pirate in history

[@NTL578]

​@@celtibero599Where did Spain get all of the treasure to plunder?

[@celtibero599]

@@NTL578 In a very similar way that all the nobles of the time exploited their servants for their personal benefit and enrichment, but with some small differences, such as that these "nobles" in America did not have lands nor were their titles eternal, but rather these they changed possession every few generations, although it also depended on the time period. It is also a very complex teme, I recomend you to investigate deeper about it, not only English sources, but also Spanish ones. No one can know about truce if only reeds about one side of the story.

[@machinegunsally1874]

Drake was my distant uncle on my grandfather’s side. This fact was passed down by mouth, so i am not sure about the accuracy. I was surprised about how kind Drake was to the natives, and how deeply kind he was to his men. A truly honest and great man. Thank you for this video on Drake.

[@Boatperson]

That was fascinating! What a dude!! Amazing life…….so many movies there!

[@davrossbain7010]

Excellent documentary of one of my personal heroes. Drake and Garibaldi.

[@user-hu6pk3zs3i]

It's honestly mental how good your videos are. Literally a full length documentary given out for free.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks very much!

[@Artiz...]

Brilliant... thanks! There have been a good few 'Heroes of England' throughout the last five hundred years but Drake gets my vote as the greatest! His astonishing and unique abilities as a warfaring mariner with morals, inspired a national maritime self-belief and 'spoils of war' derived wealth which eventually propelled British influence and trade right across the entire globe! Saving the very first ever American's from America (Roanoke), whilst also bringing back tobacco and spuds works too of course... what a hero!

[@thefisherking78]

Been too long but what an opus! Absolutely worth the wait 😁

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you so much! Yes it took a while to make that's for sure.

[@thefisherking78]

@@DanDavisHistory I've been fascinated by characters like Drake ever since playing Sid Meier's Pirates as a young kid. That age was full of complicated characters with a mix of motives and interests, with strong ethical codes despite being killers and thieves.. ahh, love it.

[@DanDavisHistory]

I loved that game too. Absolutely loved it.

[@thefisherking78]

@@DanDavisHistoryI should have known!...they don't make em like they used to 😭

[@gustavwestergren5410]

Always waiting for Dans latest video. This channel is such a gem. Good work and keep it up!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you so much. I will do my best.

[@ProximaCentairi24]

He is one if my heroes what a leader and adventurer

[@Ed_Stuckey]

Fascinating. So much more than I learned about him in school some sixty-five years ago.

[@miketackabery7521]

This was an excellent video. Thank you for your hard work on it. Subscribed.

[@yorkshireaquatics9537]

An hour and a half of awesomeness! I can't wait 😊. Thank you for your top notch content Dan 🎉

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks for watching!

[@CruiserBruiser]

I, Nathan Drake, am incredibly proud of you that you made this video about my great great great grandfather Sir Francis Drake.

[@jorgeo4483]

So you have Spanish cousins, since your great-great-grandfather left descendants in the Caribbean after another of his defeats with Spain, who emigrated to Cuba and became rich with sugar thanks to Charles III of Spain, later granting them a title of nobility in Madrid. In fact you are related to the family of a friend of mine "de la Cerda" Grandees of Spain. That helped in part to clean up your family's past of piracy an slavery.

[@philiptownsend4026]

I thought this documentary said Drake had no children? If so then how could he have descendants?

[@djeeeeeee]

@@philiptownsend4026You really don’t have a sense of humor

[@jorgeo4483]

@@philiptownsend4026 Well, it's easy, most of what this documentary tells is a lie, it is amateurish and politically interested, and what I answer to this commentator is true, it can be verified and Drake is a surname known today in Spain since it is related to several families, in addition to the oldest and noblest in Spain. In those times it was not enough to be someone's son, you had to be recognized by your father and a pirate who left some bastard abandoned in the Caribbean is not surprising, his surname was recognized by Spain. Furthermore, the one who claims to be a descendant of the pirate ignores that the pirate is not the only Drake who was born in the UK.

[@benjamindejonge3624]

I would be personalbe ashamed with this name

[@fideliselan]

I love your work and seeing new video drop is always a joy. Thank you for your talent and the hard work that is required to create your art.

[@subtropicalken1362]

As a sailor, a fan of naval history (Patrick O’brian, et al.) and museums, I loved this video. Thank you. I hope Drake’s statue is still standing. 🙄

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much. I love Patrick O'Brian too.

[@PaulFisher-uj9vb]

The Drake statue is still there in Tavistock on a roundabout ,the postal address is 1 drake villas pl19 8da.

[@subtropicalken1362]

@@PaulFisher-uj9vbcool. Glad to hear the woke madness hasn’t land there yet.

[@hotstepper887]

@@subtropicalken1362 Oh, but it has, and to such an extent, it is the end of this country. This country, the UK, is finished, and will never be back. Today we have a society who all watched our own PM, (Johnston, the elitist, paid off Washington puppet), betray all of us, our own country, and our own grandparents, standing in Ukraine, and just outright lying, (like the most uneducated, clueless, excuse for a PM, any of us have ever seen, heard, or experienced before)! And not only that, no, but then lifting Zelenskiy's hand in the air, (while shouting out) "Slava Ukraini" - the official slogan of Stepan Bandera's OUN (order of Ukraine) that was made up from Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists, Banderites, and Nazi henchmen. Just how treacherous was that? It was 100%, outright treachery, against everything we've all been brought up believing in! Only 25-30 years ago, he'd of been removed for that. Yet unbelievably, we saw people in this country waving their really pathetic embarrassing Ukrainian flags, agreeing with him, even joining in, shouting out "Slava Ukraini"! Honestly, just how sick is that. I mean, really, are you kidding me? Just what kind of people are my fellow countrymen today? I don't recognise any of these people, they've clearly become just as uneducated as the Americas themselves. How embarrassing is that! I actually have become so disheartened that I really do want to see this country, my own country, completely annihilated today. And it has to be said, man, ain't they all making sure this happens? Best of luck with that.... I'm lucky, I have another home, and a long way away, and a yacht that I'm planning to sit in, (at a safe distance), beer in hand, watching this Island burn. Wipe this urban jungle of the worst excuses for British people, we've ever seen, or ever experienced before, from the face of this earth, and do the rest of the world a massive favour. It was members of the OUN, that took the most active part in the mass murder in Ukraine and Poland during October 1942, murdering millions of innocent people. They cheer for that? As, today, it just seems that none of these people know anything about any of this history, or know any of these facts, let alone understand just how treacherous that really was! Our own PM, knowingly, and purposely, betrayed our own grandparents, (many who fought and gave their lives defeating Nazism)! While our own PM, (and only on behalf of the criminal USA), raises a Nazi supporter's hand in the air, while shouting out "Slava Ukraini"? And nobody in this country said a word about it? Absolutely hilarious, man!! You really can kiss this country goodbye. These people we see supporting Ukraine, are only traitors (against every one of us, and our own country). Only, again, much too uneducated to ever understand why. And truth be told, it's actually more disturbing, that we could see anyone in this country, thinking that Russia have acted in any way, other than 100% the right way, 100% the ethical way, and a 100% the moral way, in absolutely everything they've done? Yet these people all claim Russia invaded Ukraine, and Russia are wrong? It's nothing but outright, in your face, Idiocy! It is not, and it has never been, a "Russian invasion of Ukraine". Seriously, only a propaganda believing sucker, and complete fool could think it was!. Obviously, we do hear that from our own lying government of paid off Washington puppets, yet they all obviously know very well, that it wasn't, and isn't, a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Yet barely any of these excises for Brits do! Many of them don't even know what we've all really seen happen in Ukraine, (since the illegal US coup of Ukraine in 2014). Many of them don't even know that it was the USA that caused the coup in Ukraine! And again, many of them have no idea, that the "illegal" Ukrainian government's, army, with their neo-Na*i (NATO trained thugs), have non-stop been trying to murder and wipe out all those innocent Eastern Ukrainians, for the last 9 years! And why? Because those former Eastern Ukrainians, speak Russian, and they didn't agree with the illegal coup committed against their legally elected government. So, the truth, and the undeniable reality is, they're supporting Ukraine trying to murder all those innocent former eastern Ukrainian people, and regardless if they think so or not, that is exactly what they're supporting. We then saw, on 14th May 2014, those Eastern Ukrainians hold a referendum on whether they should claim independence from Ukraine, (who only want to slaughter them all). And they then overwhelmingly voted to claim their own independence from Ukraine, (seeing the creation of both) the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic. Then, in February 2022, both the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic, saw Ukraine building up a military force of over 200,000 troops (with Nazi battalions included) on their borders, (who were well dug in, and heavily armed with modern western weapons targetting them). Ukraine were about to carry out a pre-planned full-frontal military assault against all those innocent people in Eastern Ukraine, to wipe them all out. Then both the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic (REQUESTED) Russian military protection from Ukraine, and (REQUESTED) Russian military assistance against Ukraine's illegal government's army and their Nazi murdering thugs. -- To which Russia (QUITE RIGHTLY) agreed, while also recognising their own independence from Ukraine. Nobody has ever attempted to claim an invited, and requested military intervention into a country to protect innocent people from slaughter, as a military invasion by anyone, NOT EVER! Are these people we really are suffering from here, really this uneducated? We then saw, during 23-27 September 2022, the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic, hold a referendum whether to join Russia, or to remain part of Ukraine, (who only want to slaughter them all). They then, again, overwhelmingly voted to join the Russian Federation, and were elated to finally do so. Yet people here believe the western narrative, who wrongly claim Russia invaded Ukraine? It's just complete and utter ignorance Putin made it very clear what Russia's aim was in Ukraine (before they entered), and honestly, he could not have made it any clearer, than he did. He told us all, very clearly, the aim for Russia was to protect those Eastern Ukrainian people (who have been subjected to bullying, torture, murder, and attempted genocide against them by the Kiev regime for the last eight years) - ABOUT TIME TOO, IS THE TRUTH!! For Russia to achieve that, they planned to carry out a full "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, to bring to justice, all war criminals responsible for the bloody war crimes against civilians in Donbass. GOOD is the truth, well done Russia is the correct response! Because no matter where anyone's loyalty may lie?, we, the people, never support wrong, over right, but should always be willing to stand up and fight for right, over wrong! These people must unbelievably, think, that Russia protecting all those innocent people (at their own request), is a Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the wrong thing for Russia to do? So, they must have expected Russia to just ignore all those innocent eastern Ukrainian people's request for help and protection from Ukraine? And then just watch Ukraine murder them all? Think about it, that is exactly what they must have expected to see? And that, really is, only a Nazi mindset.

[@hotstepper887]

Why has nobody ever asked why this government is even involved in Ukraine in any capacity at all? It's claimed that this is all about Ukraine wanting to join the EU, right? Well, apparently we left the EU?, so why are we giving Ukraine a couple of billion £'s and all those weapons to help them join the EU, that we left? HOW BACKWARD IS THIS? Why? Two reasons... 1) The US demands we do this. They're certainly not doing this for a single one of us, that's for sure. This so-called propaganda against Russia and Putin, is only a remedial standard of propaganda that's all so backward in its entire context, that it shouldn't fool even the least educated members of our society!! Only looking around?, it's fooled so many? Get educated!! 2) Because this government never wanted to leave the EU, that's why, and that's because the EU is where many of their ill-gotten gains (they fill all their offshore accounts with) come from. What was the going rate to bribe an unelected British MEP for our powerful vote on various issues, like which of the poorer EU countries will receive extra financial support from the EU over the next coming financial year? A couple of million £'s, maybe? We reelected that same "remain" government, to lead us out of the EU, (while we all knew they never wanted to leave)? How insane was that? Honestly, the people in this country today, are, without question, easily the least educated society we've ever experienced before. Also, who were the two main countries that we were going to need good trading relations with, if we were going to succeed after leaving the EU? Both Russia and China, of course, you know, those same two countries this government has non-stop been demonising while destroying any chance of ever having any kind of relations with, ever! That makes such great sense, right? I can hear it already?..... "We have decided, for our own security, to rejoin the EU. We must all understand, that in these dangerous times, we're stronger together" (as they pack up, and send off another shipment of weapons to Ukraine) How long till we hear that?

[@hetty43]

I recall learning about Sir Francis Drake at primary school in Northern Ireland. A true hero. In later life I got to spend some time in Panama with work. I recall those long flights approx 12 hours from Paris to Panama City. What an amazing journey to do in a sailing boat. The flight was long enough never mind sailing for months. I don’t think we give enough credit to the sailors and explorers of old. I recall seeing some of these old Spanish fortifications on the Caribbean side of Panama. I guess the dude near the entrance to canal called Colon. Some of those old forts are in a poor state nowadays. Also in Panama there was reference to black beard attacking the city and the capital moved to pacific side of Panama. I saw a bit of the jungle and those lakes and rivers and I found it very scary particularly the sounds from the jungle at night. How brave were those English men / Devon men to venture in to such an environment. I was truly touched hearing this account. Given my experience of learning of sir Francis drake at school and my later travel existences in adult life. Thanks.

[@luissalazar6960]

Drake was a pirate. It is amazing how British people glorify a pirate.

[@hetty43]

@@luissalazar6960 not English.

[@luissalazar6960]

@@hetty43 Thanks

[@dylanmeyer6614]

Brilliant work Dan. Thanks for your hard work and entertaining life story of Sir Francis Drake.

[@STATERECALLMUSIC]

Subscribed… I saw this on the train, got home and was wondering what to watch. I then thought - anything on that channel I saw that drake thing on! I would have subscribed then but was hanging after a super long journey and forgot. Thank you, Dan, for liking my comment earlier it made me smile!

[@Crecganford]

Thoroughly enjoyed that!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Glad to hear it bro, thanks very much for watching.

[@marac200]

I really never knew about Sir Francis Drakes moral compass I’m happy to know that he led a chivalrous life.

[@brendanstoran7555]

As pirates go you mean?😂

[@LordOfLight]

Are you serious? He was a very greedy man and happy to drop his comrades in the 💩 in his pursuit of money.

[@roberttreborable]

@@brendanstoran7555 But the gold didn't belong to the Spanish they had stolen it off the Native.

[@roberttreborable]

@@LordOfLight They were happy to be part of his crew and he gave them all a share of the bounty.

[@LordOfLight]

@@roberttreborable Oh? So, he gave it back to the natives then did he? Like Robin Hood. Right?

[@sof5858]

Great video Dan. I will be going through the rest.

[@leemurphybrazil1258]

Well done! Drake would have been proud of this biography.

[@Wyladd]

You deserve the best as a historical channel. I love your works. Especially these longer ones whilst I do my work. I love it so much. Thank you.

[@ws175]

Dan, this was another really great and fascinating video. Thank you !

[@spencertherren6806]

You're back. Most excellent.✌️🇺🇲

[@TamaraJohnBlue]

Holy cow. Ytube safe* Dan. That was magnificent. Well done Sir. I really appreciate your work and enjoyed this immensely. Thank you.

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Fantastic presentation. I've learned facts about Drake's life I had never heard before. 👍

[@CaucAsianSasquatch]

Thank you, you do some of the best work on KZbin.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much indeed.

[@laytonmcgowan2529]

Oh hell yea... I've been waiting for my favorite late night relax and learn podcast for too long now!!! Thanks again Dan 🔥🔥

[@dcrog69]

Thanks! What an incredible story.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much.

[@cortain330]

Great video as always Dan, thank you for bringing into light the exploits of this absolute chad, and making spaniards seethe.

[@Gloriaimperial1]

We Spaniards don't get angry about these things. In 1588 we invaded Germany. That's why the Palatinate and southern Germany are Catholic. In 1589 we destroyed Drake's invincible fleet, sinking 60-80 ships. Elisabeth was so angry that she sentenced Drake to be a lighthouse keeper at the port. In 1590 we invaded Paris, forcing France to accept Catholicism. In 1595-96 Drake lost 5 battles in the Caribbean and died. He was a great sailor, but for us he was also a kind of 9/11 type terrorist. Although the British will never see him that way, of course.

[@rumbaughsteven5577]

I grew up in ranchland of western Nebraska, about as different from Drake’s life as possible. But when I was little, my older brother built a model Golden Hind that fascinated me and began a lifelong devotion to Sir Francis Drake.

[@bradrowleyaz]

I built one of those too! Around 1971 I think.

[@mikef.1000]

What a fascinating story. It strikes me that Drake was a lot like Captain James Cook in his attitudes towards native peoples. Both enlightened men for their times.

[@vonartal381]

You should read the reports of spanish authorities in the Américas, ando read the thing Drake did on his expedition

[@roberttreborable]

@@vonartal381 How did the SPANISH treat the native people of the Americas ?

[@cattymajiv]

It's possible both stories have been spun. There's no way of knowing I guess, unless someone does an investigation of the original sources.

[@Cedawood]

@@vonartal381 ahhh the hard done by Spanish, eh!? 😆😅

[@vatsal7640]

​​@@vonartal381well ,drake was fighting the Spanish wasn't he?

[@MaroonedInDub]

Great narration. Queen Elizabeth was very fond of Drake. Many say they were secretly involved in a relationship as they spent much time together behind closed doors.

[@xavisanchez7522]

They had the same hidden political agenda, and they succeed but the price they laid was huge, their dissapearance from history as a real persons was gone and they used alias to allow their successors to survive

[@dilly1863]

A British national, living now in Panama, I found this both educative and completely fascinating! Never learnt this at school!!! Thank you.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the film.

[@dennis771]

90% of british in panama are there for woman

[@danielbtwd]

Fun fact, most of the soldiers and sailors who had faught against the Spanish Armada were forbidden to leave their ships after the action on the pretext of needing to be ready for another action. They all died of disease conveniently relieving Elizabeth 1st. of having to pay them for their services. Which were considerable. The British aristocracy have a history of treacherous behaviour towards the soldiers who have given so much for their country. Scoundrels.

[@trailerparkwerewolf910]

The tale of Drake calls an ancestral whirlwind of pride to my blood. He should be as revered as the founding fathers for Americans

[@cattymajiv]

If I had founded that disaster of a country I would deny it.

[@Cedawood]

@@cattymajiv America?

[@adambane1719]

he and his family were actually Irish, the O Drake's.

[@biggusdickus9148]

​@@cattymajivtell me your insane without telling me your insane

[@rweezy6246]

​@@cattymajivsays the Hindi from the dirtiest smelliest place on earth

[@dwcoolit]

Great Vid...I'm loving learning historic stuff that I should have learned 50 + years ago when at school. Thank You So Much !

[@Clem62]

Here on Vancouver Island out tallest peak at close to 7000 ft. is named The Golden Hinde.

[@brett18uk]

Thanks for this Dan. I’m from Devon. Tavistock, actually, Drakes home town and I was an elected local politician in Plymouth - Hawkins’ town. Drakes name and influence has surrounded me all my life. One massive area not addressed in your otherwise v informative documentary is of course the slave trade. Hawkins was a massive and cruel slave trader and Drake played his role too. So much so that the City of Plymouth recently renamed Sir John Hawkins square and stripped him of recognition.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks for watching. You must have missed the whole first chapter where I describe Hawkins slaving voyages. Hawkins was not a "massive" slave trader - only two voyages were successfully completed. Hawkins was a prominent and successful English sailor and naval administrator whose navy reforms helped ensure England defeated the Spanish Armada and saved England from conquest. After Hawkins stopped trading in 1569, there would be no more English trading of slaves for decades. Drake was a young, minor officer on two or three of the Hawkins voyages. From the time he was his own master onwards and for the rest of his life, he not only did not trade in slaves, he freed all those he captured - whether Turk, French, or African -, allied with former slaves, and had former slaves on his crews. I talk about all this is in this film.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I live in the California County, Marin, where Drake landed on the coast. Many things are named Sir Francis Drake here, or just Drake, from highways to beaches to schools. It’s a distant, but cool, connection to the Mother country, from which most of my maternal ancestors came.

[@raypurchase801]

FUN FACT: Francis himself had no offspring, but the descendants of his siblings live in Devon to this day. My grandmother's maiden name was Drake. My mum's line is supposedly descended from his younger brother, Edmund. The Drakes used to have a big import/export business. My mum was excited to read a newspaper story about a senior Devonshire policeman's daring activities in the 1970s. No big deal - we're ALL related if you go back far enough. Errol Flynn's "The Sea Hawk" was originally intended to be Drake's story, but the REAL story didn't fit a movie so a completely fictitious character was invented.

[@xavisanchez7522]

Francis drake is an alias, to hide his real name, just like with columbus, cabot,and so on Francis drake( francesc darragona i gurmea), columbus( joan colom i bertran) , escept cabot( sebastià/joan cabot) but all are Catalan Native speakers, against the imposition of the king of the spanish monarchy ( creation of castilian language)