26 September - Sir Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the globe.

 

On 26 September 1580, Sir Francis Drake completed his historic circumnavigation of the globe, becoming the first Englishman to do so. His voyage, which began on 13 December 1577, was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I, partly as an exploration mission and partly as a secretive campaign against Spanish holdings and ships.

Drake's expedition faced numerous challenges, including navigating treacherous waters, conflicts with the Spanish, and the loss of ships. However, it was also immensely profitable, as Drake raided Spanish settlements and captured vast amounts of treasure along the way, especially from the Spanish galleon "Cacafuego" off the coast of Peru.

After navigating the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, Drake and his ship, the "Golden Hind," returned to Plymouth, England, on 26 September , 1580, with a wealth of treasure and valuable knowledge about the world’s oceans and trade routes. Upon his return, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard the "Golden Hind" in 1581, cementing his status as a national hero. His successful circumnavigation contributed to England's growing naval power and exploration ambitions during the Elizabethan era.