Sir Francis Drake, c1930. Portrait of English navigator, privateer and adventurer Francis Drake (1540-1596). Drake was the most renowned seaman of the Elizabethan Age. He circumnavigated the globe (1577-1580), commanded the attack on the Spanish fleet in Cadiz Harbour in 1587 (the 'singeing of the King of Spain's beard') and played an important role in defeating the Spanish Armada the following year. From "The World's Story, a Simple History for Boys and Girls", by Elizabeth O'Neill. [T. C. & E. C. Jack, London & Edinburgh, c1930]