Sir Francis Drake circumnavigates the Earth

On this day in history, 1580: Sir Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the Earth.

Sir Francis Drake, vice admiral, carried out the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580, and was the first to complete the voyage as captain while leading the expedition throughout the entire circumnavigation.

Elizabeth I of England awarded Drake a knighthood in 1581. In 1588 he was second-in-command of the English fleet against the Spanish Armada and he died of dysentery in January 1596 after unsuccessfully attacking San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Pictured: Sir Francis Drake.