Discover the story of this celebrated local figure as we mark National Devon Day on 4th June.
The storied halls of Boringdon have borne witness to centuries of English history, hosting royalty, nobility, and figures of national renown. Among the most celebrated names to grace our manor is that of Sir Francis Drake, a quintessential Devon seafaring legend whose life of adventure and ambition remains intertwined with the very fabric of the county and, indeed, with Boringdon Hall itself.
A banquet for a hero
Step back to the year 1587. The manor, recently remodelled into its grand Elizabethan ‘E’ shape by its new owner, John Parker, was a jewel of Devon society. Parker, a man of considerable standing, shared a close friendship with Sir Francis Drake. To celebrate his friend’s audacious and brilliantly successful raid on the Spanish fleet in Cadiz Harbour, Parker held a magnificent banquet in Drake’s honour within the very walls of Boringdon Hall.
One can almost hear the echoes of that grand evening in our Great Hall. The air would have been thick with celebration and the scent of roasting meats, the fire roaring as it does today. Gathered were the era’s most distinguished figures: Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Richard Grenville, and Sir John Hawkins. It was a gathering of Devon’s maritime titans, celebrating a victory that solidified Drake’s status as a national hero and the formidable sea power of England.
From Devon lad to naval legend
Born on Crowndale Farm near Tavistock, Francis Drake was the eldest of 12 sons. His destiny was tied to the sea from a young age when his father, Edmund, apprenticed him to the Hawkins family, who were merchants in Plymouth. Drake’s natural talent for seamanship was undeniable, and he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually commanding his own vessel.
His early voyages alongside the Hawkins family established his reputation for daring and brought him immense wealth. His exploits caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth I, who, embroiled in a complex rivalry with Spain, secretly sponsored his expeditions against Spanish interests along the Pacific coast. This culminated in his famous circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580 aboard the Golden Hind. This incredible feat made him the first Englishman to complete such a voyage.
Upon his return, he was knighted by the Queen aboard his ship. His fame was immense, though his actions earned him the moniker ‘El Draque’ – The Dragon – among the Spanish, who believed him to be in league with the devil.
A legacy in stone and story
Despite his global adventures, Drake’s heart remained in Devon. He served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed Mayor of Plymouth, a city that still bears his name across many of its landmarks, including a commemorative statue at Plymouth Hoe. He married his first wife, Mary Newman, in Plymouth and later purchased Buckland Abbey, a grand estate near Yelverton now managed by the National Trust. His most defining moment came in 1588 as Vice Admiral of the English Navy. He played a crucial role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada, a victory that secured England from invasion and cemented his legendary status.
Here at Boringdon Hall, we pay tribute to our connection with Francis Drake. One of our most historic Heritage Rooms, the Francis Room, is named in his honour.
Francis Drake’s story is deeply woven into the rich heritage of both Devon and Boringdon Hall, making your stay an unforgettable journey through time and a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one of England’s most iconic figures.
