Francis Drake

Timeline

1. c. 1540–1565Tavistock · DevonshireBorn to a farming family near Tavistock in Devonshire, he went to sea at a young age, honing his seamanship in coastal merchant shipping and privateering, laying the foundation for his later involvement in transatlantic trade and attacks on Spanish shipping.
2. 1566–1569Caribbean Sea · Caribbean SeaRecruited by John Hawkins to join the third triangular trade expedition, he commanded a ship against Spanish colonial forces in the Caribbean and along the Gulf Coast; after an ambush at San Juan de Ulúa in 1568 he narrowly escaped, establishing his reputation for independent command.
3. 1569–1570Panama Isthmus · PanamaBetween 1569 and 1570 he led a small fleet in attacks on Spanish ports and caravans along the Panama Isthmus, capturing large quantities of silver and familiarizing himself with the Pacific route, accumulating key intelligence and capital for his later circumnavigation and transoceanic raids.