Drake Knighted

This woodcut shows Drake receiving his knighthood from Elizabeth in 1581 at Deptford. The image is not entirely accurate about the events as Elizabeth actually requested that the French ambassador Monsieur de Marchaumont conduct the ceremony. This was partly another snub to the Spanish by hinting that not only did she approve of Drake's activities but that there was a potential for a French and English alliance against the Spanish. At this point in time, Elizabeth was actively considering a marriage with the Duke of Anjou from France.