Explorers & Adventurers · 16th Century
Sir Francis Drake’s Last Words
“Unknown — he was delirious from dysentery.”— Sir Francis Drake, January 28, 1596
Who Was Sir Francis Drake?
Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and a hero of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. To Spain, he was a feared pirate; to England, a national hero.
The Final Moments
Drake died of dysentery aboard his ship off the coast of Portobelo, Panama, during an unsuccessful raid on Spanish possessions in the Caribbean.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple contemporary accounts from crew members confirm Drake was delirious with fever in his final days aboard ship. The absence of recorded last words is well-documented in primary sources from the expedition.
Sources
- firsthand Contemporary ship logs and crew accounts
- academic Julian Corbett's Drake and the Tudor Navy
Legacy
Drake's voyages and naval victories established England as a maritime power and laid the groundwork for the British Empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Sir Francis Drake’s last words?
“Unknown — he was delirious from dysentery.”
How did Sir Francis Drake die?
Sir Francis Drake died on January 28, 1596 at the age of 55. Cause of death: Dysentery.
Were Sir Francis Drake’s last words documented?
Multiple contemporary accounts from crew members confirm Drake was delirious with fever in his final days aboard ship. The absence of recorded last words is well-documented in primary sources from the expedition.
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