The Golden Hind , Brixham , Devon.

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• published: 29 Apr 2014
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The Golden Hind at Brixham is a full sized replica of one of the most iconic ships from the age of exploration being a feature of this picturesque harbour since 1964 and has a long history of screen appearances in Film, Television drama, Documentary and even children's programs. Sir Francis Drake : Soldier, Seaman, Politician and Engineer is best remembered as an explorer. In his most famous ship, The Golden Hind, he became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe in an epic expedition of plunder and discovery (1577-1580). The hardship endured in overcrowded and primitive quarters is unbelievable. Only 56 men survived with Drake, returning 3 years later with a vast cargo of treasure ( the Queens share alone was more than the countries national debt). 'El Draco' became one of the most famous men in Western Europe and was feared and reviled by the Spanish. Drake was duly knighted onboard. The ship was home to Drake and his crew of 70 for almost 3 years. After two years of devoted work, Golden Hinde II was officially launched from the J. Hinks & Son shipyard by the Countess of Devon on 5th April 1973. From Winter 1974 to Spring 1975 the ship sailed from Plymouth to San Francisco to commemorate the upcoming 400th anniversary of Francis Drake's discovery of Nova Albion in North America in 1579. In 1979 Golden Hinde II crossed the Pacific to Japan to film the TV series "Shogun" starring Richard Chamberlain and John Rys-Davies. After sailing back to Britain via the Suez Canal, in 1980 Golden Hinde II was the centrepiece for the 400th anniversary celebrations of the completion of Francis Drake's circumnavigation in Plymouth. While there filming was conducted for "Drake's Venture" starring the late John Thaw for Westward Television. After a tour of Britain and Ireland, Golden Hinde II sailed to Canada to appear in Expo '86, and a year later began a four-year expedition along the East and West Coasts of North America, returning to the UK in 1991.