An illustrated contemporary broadside celebrates
the exploits of Sir Francis Drake in his campaign
against the Spanish. But though Drake was indeed
successful in harassing Spanish ships (as well as
circumnavigating the globe between 1577 and
1580), his motives were primarily mercenary.
A licensed privateer, he looted treasure ships;
during the defence against the Spanish Armada
in 1588, he was accused of offloading booty when
he should have been guiding English ships (see
the previous article for more on this episode).
A RESPLENDENT DRAKE
EYE OPENER
BRIDGEMAN