Golden Hinde

First stop in search of the Armada is the docks of London where a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake's boat can be experienced.

The Golden Hinde was an English galleon best known for its global circumnavigation between 1577 and 1580, which was captained by Sir Francis Drake. He was chosen as leader of the expedition and personally supported by Queen Elisabeth with the double purpose of exploring and pirating along the coast of South America. The enterprise culminated ultimately in the Anglo-Spanish war in 1588.

In 1580, the Golden Hind came back across the Atlantic with only 56 of the original crew of 100 left aboard. Francis Drake took his ship into Plymouth Harbour laden with treasure and spices. A modern full size authentic replica of the ship, also called the Golden Hinde, was built in 1973 by traditional handcraft in Appledore. Like the original, she has circumnavigated the world. It first sailed, in 1973, to San Francisco to commemorate Sir Francis Drake's claiming of California for Queen Elizabeth I. In 1979-1980, it retraced Drake's around the world route. Since 1996 it has been berthed at St Mary Overie Dock on Cathedral Street, in Bankside, Southwark, London, between Southwark Cathedral and Clink Street where she hosts visits from schools and other interested parties.

A second replica has been permanently moored in the harbour of the sea port of Brixham in Devon.

The original ship crewed 20 officers and 40 - 60 sailors. She measured 36.5 m overall with a breadth of 6.7 m. She carried 22 guns and probably took part in the battle in 1588.

Read more about the ship here