The Golden Hind

ship

Also known as: “Pelican”

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Golden Hind was the ship on which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580. This voyage, undertaken with official backing from Queen Elizabeth I, was a significant feat of navigation and exploration for England.12

Drake's expedition aimed to explore lands beyond South America and disrupt Spanish interests. During the voyage, Drake preyed on Spanish ships, accumulating considerable treasure. The Golden Hind, weighing about 100 tons, sailed across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, eventually returning to England laden with riches. This voyage cemented Drake's reputation as a renowned seaman of the Elizabethan Age and contributed to England's growing maritime power.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Sir Francis Drake
Circumnavigation of the world
…which Drake later renamed the Golden Hind (or Hinde), weighed only about 100 tons. It seemed little enough with which to undertake a venture into the domain of the most powerful monarch and empire in the world.
Read More
…which Drake later renamed the Golden Hind (or Hinde), weighed only about 100 tons. It seemed little enough with which to undertake a venture into the domain of the most powerful monarch and empire in the world.
Read More