a painting of francis drake

Queen Elizabeth I's favorite pirate was an English hero, but his career has a dark side

Sir Francis Drake earned glory for England by plundering Spanish targets around the world. Now historians are exploring his part in the slave trade for a fuller look at this sea dog's life.

CONQUERING THE WORLD

Samuel Lane’s 19th-century portrait of Sir Francis Drake reflects the evolution of the Elizabethan sailor into a British imperial hero.
BRIDGEMAN
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