Fresh Light on Drake

Abstract

Juan de Castellaňos (1522-1607), soldier and adventurer turned poet and historian, is best remembered for his ‘Elegies on Celebrated Persons in Overseas Spain.’ Volume one was published in 1589 but the other three were suppressed until the mid-eighteenth century, probably because of the 6,000 lines devoted to Sir Francis Drake. Castellaňos is rated a diligent and trustworthy historian so his commentary on the effect of Drake’s operations in the Caribbean, particularly the detailed description of the capture and ransom of Cartagena in 1586, throws new light on the man his Spanish adversaries called vituperatively ‘pirate’ or ‘corsair’.

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Filed under: Tudors | Francis Drake | Caribbean
Subjects include: Battles & Tactics | Navies | Pirates, Corsairs & Privateers