Podcast Summary: The Dark Side of Sir Francis Drake

Not Just the Tudors
Episode: The Dark Side of Sir Francis Drake
Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Richard Blakemore, University of Reading
Release Date: May 1, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Susannah Lipscomb delves into the complex and often dark legacy of Sir Francis Drake. Joined by Dr. Richard Blakemore, an expert in maritime history and piracy, they explore the multifaceted aspects of Drake's life, challenging the traditional heroic narrative.

Early Life and Origins of Drake

Professor Lipscomb opens the discussion by highlighting Drake's rise from humble beginnings to legendary status. Dr. Blakemore explains:

"He's born into a relatively humble family... Francis Drake seems to start off really working on voyages for this family, particularly with John Hawkins, his cousin." (04:49)

Drake's early association with the Hawkins family in Plymouth set the stage for his maritime career, including voyages that ventured into the early slave trade alongside English privateers.

Drake and the Slave Trade

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Drake's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Dr. Blakemore provides a nuanced view:

"Drake and Hawkins... are involved in the slave trade at the very start of their careers." (05:29)

He emphasizes that while Drake operated within the norms of his time, his actions contributed to the brutal infrastructure of the transatlantic slave trade, which had devastating long-term impacts.

The Incident with Thomas Doughty

The episode delves into the controversial execution of Thomas Doughty, Drake's associate, during Drake's circumnavigation voyage. Dr. Blakemore discusses the legal and moral ambiguities:

"In pure legal terms, Drake was not authorized to execute Doughty, which would probably constitute murder." (27:09)

This incident highlights Drake's ruthless leadership style and the precarious legality of his actions, blurring the lines between privateering and piracy.

Drake's Circumnavigation and Plunder

Drake's circumnavigation is traditionally viewed as an exploration feat, but Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Blakemore shed light on its plunderous nature. Dr. Blakemore notes:

"It's primarily about plunder and piracy... he's clearly not shying away from a fight." (33:20)

Throughout the voyage, Drake amassed vast treasures by raiding Spanish settlements and ships, exemplifying the intertwining of exploration and exploitation during the Elizabethan era.

Treatment of Indigenous Peoples and Maria's Story

A particularly harrowing segment discusses Drake's interactions with indigenous peoples and the tragic story of Maria:

"She's possibly been raped, possibly been ganged, raped, and then when pregnant, abandoned." (44:50)

Dr. Blakemore underscores the brutality Drake and his crew exhibited, including the abandonment of enslaved individuals, reflecting the harsh realities of European maritime expansion.

Spanish Armada and Drake's Later Years

As tensions with Spain escalated, Drake played a notable role in the events leading up to the Spanish Armada. Dr. Blakemore assesses Drake's contributions:

"He doesn't seem to have played a major role by himself... the weather plays a really crucial role." (51:20)

While Drake was involved in raiding Spanish fleets, his actions were part of a larger, complex military campaign where factors like weather significantly influenced the outcome.

Legacy and Controversy

The episode concludes with a discussion on Drake's enduring legacy and the controversies surrounding his historical image. Dr. Blakemore reflects:

"He becomes an iconic figure... but we can also interrogate him a bit more closely to think about the other sides of his life." (57:15)

Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Blakemore argue that Drake's heroism is deeply embedded in British national identity, making it difficult to reconcile his legendary status with his morally questionable actions. They advocate for a balanced historical perspective that acknowledges both his maritime achievements and his role in oppressive systems.

Concluding Thoughts

This episode of Not Just the Tudors offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Sir Francis Drake, challenging listeners to rethink the conventional narratives of maritime heroes. Through insightful dialogue and expert analysis, Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Blakemore illuminate the complexities of Drake's character and his impact on history.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Richard Blakemore: "Drake and Hawkins... are involved in the slave trade at the very start of their careers." (05:29)

• Professor Susannah Lipscomb: "She's kidnapped, possibly enslaved, possibly been raped, possibly been ganged, raped, and then when pregnant, abandoned." (44:50)

• Dr. Richard Blakemore: "He becomes an iconic figure... but we can also interrogate him a bit more closely to think about the other sides of his life." (57:15)

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key points discussed in the podcast episode "The Dark Side of Sir Francis Drake." For a more in-depth understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode through History Hit.