Wednesday, 11 February 2026

1961, Television: Sir Francis Drake

On 12 November 1961, the first episode of the British historical adventure series "Sir Francis Drake" was broadcast on ATV (Associated Television). The series was produced by Anthony Bushell, with a musical score composed by Ivor Slaney. In total, 26 episodes, each running for 25 minutes, were produced.

Terence Morgan as Sir Francis Drake
Michael Crawford as John Drake and Milton Reid as Diego

Synopsis
The series follows the adventures of Francis Drake, portrayed by Terence Morgan, an English vice-admiral, explorer, and captain of the Golden Hind, the third ship to circumnavigate the globe…

Jean Kent as Queen Elizabeth I
Patrick McLoughlin as Trevelyan

Main Cast

  • Terence Morgan as Sir Francis Drake
  • Jean Kent as Queen Elizabeth I
  • Michael Crawford as John Drake
  • Roger Delgado as Count Bernardino de Mendoza
  • Patrick McLoughlin as Trevelyan
  • Alex Scott as Don Pedro
  • Milton Reid as Diego
  • Richard Warner as Walsingham
  • Ewan Roberts as Munro
  • Howard Lang as Richard Grenville
  • Glynn Edwards as Will Martin
  • Peter Diamond as Bosun
Terence Morgan as Sir Francis Drake
Roger Delgado as Count Bernardino de Mendoza

Trivia
A replica of the Golden Hind was built for filming in and around the bays of Torbay and Dartmouth. In 1963, the ship was permanently moored in Brixham Harbour, Devon, where it became a popular tourist attraction. It was wrecked during a storm in 1987, after which it was towed to Dartmouth and later replaced by a new replica.


Opening and closing credits

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