Summary
Overview
This episode examines the escalating tensions between England and Spain in the 1580s, from Drake's triumphant return from circumnavigating the globe to the uncovering of the Throckmorton Plot. Elizabeth I navigates dangerous diplomatic waters, rewarding Drake despite Spanish fury while Catholic conspirators plot her overthrow. The discovery of the conspiracy leads to broken diplomatic relations with Spain and the creation of the Bond of Association, setting the stage for open conflict and the eventual fate of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Drake's Triumphant Return and Elizabeth's Dilemma
Francis Drake returns to Plymouth in September 1580 with unprecedented treasure from his circumnavigation, but faces an uncertain reception. Elizabeth must decide whether to appease the increasingly powerful Spain by returning the plunder and sacrificing Drake, or to back her sea captain and risk war. Her Privy Council is split between cautious advisors like Burghley and hawkish Protestants like Walsingham and Leicester who had invested in Drake's voyage. Elizabeth ultimately chooses to reward Drake while maintaining plausible deniability with Spain.
- Drake returns to Plymouth with £400,000 in plundered treasure—more than Elizabeth's entire annual income
- Philip II has become King of Portugal, expanding Spanish power, while his forces under Parma are gaining ground in the Low Countries
- Spanish ambassador Mendoza demands Drake's punishment, warning that war is easily begun but not soon ended
- Elizabeth's council is divided between appeasing Spain (Burghley) and supporting Drake (Walsingham, Hatton, Leicester)
- Elizabeth grants Drake a six-hour interview and allows him to quietly siphon off £10,000 for himself and £14,000 for his crew
" A war is easily begun but not so soon ended "
" Fear not for your safety. Bring me some of the loot. "
The Knighting of Francis Drake
On April 1, 1581, Elizabeth stages a brilliant theatrical moment by having Drake knighted aboard the Golden Hind at Deptford. This unprecedented honor for a yeoman's son sends a powerful message to both her subjects and Spain. The ceremony becomes an iconic scene in English history, though Elizabeth cleverly has a French envoy perform the actual knighting to signal Anglo-French cooperation against Spain. The spectacle serves multiple purposes: boosting Elizabeth's popularity, projecting England's confidence, and demonstrating the strength of relations with France.
- Elizabeth knights Drake on the Golden Hind on April 1, 1581, an extraordinary honor for a yeoman's grandson
- The ceremony draws massive crowds; the gangplank collapses as spectators rush aboard
- Elizabeth coyly loses a garter during the ceremony as a flirtatious diplomatic gesture
- A French envoy, Monsieur de Marchaumont, actually performs the knighting, signaling Anglo-French cooperation
- The iconic image of Elizabeth knighting Drake remains one of English history's most celebrated moments, though she didn't actually dub him herself
" Don Bernardino de Mendoza was born not to disturb kingdoms, but to conquer them. "
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