Thomas Cavendish was an English explorer and privateer who lived during the 16th century. He is best known for his three voyages of exploration, during which he became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. Cavendish was born in 1560 in Trimley St. Martin, Suffolk, England. His father, William Cavendish, was a wealthy landowner and member of the gentry. His mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of Sir John Gresham, a prominent London merchant.
Cavendish was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied mathematics and navigation. He also studied under the renowned navigator, Martin Frobisher. After leaving Cambridge, Cavendish joined the Royal Navy and served as a privateer during the Anglo-Spanish War. He was successful in his privateering ventures, capturing several Spanish ships and earning a considerable fortune.
In 1586, Cavendish set out on his first voyage of exploration. He sailed to the Canary Islands, then to the Caribbean, and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. He explored the coast of South America, reaching as far south as the Strait of Magellan. He then sailed north, reaching the coast of California before turning east and crossing the Pacific. He eventually reached the Philippines, where he was forced to abandon his ship due to a lack of supplies.
Cavendish returned to England in 1588, having completed the first English circumnavigation of the globe. He was celebrated as a hero and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I. He was also awarded a pension of £500 per year.
In 1591, Cavendish set out on his second voyage of exploration. He sailed to the Caribbean, then to the coast of Brazil, and eventually to the Strait of Magellan. He explored the coast of South America, reaching as far south as the Strait of Le Maire. He then sailed north, reaching the coast of California before turning east and crossing the Pacific. He eventually reached the Philippines, where he was forced to abandon his ship due to a lack of supplies.
Cavendish returned to England in 1593, having completed the second English circumnavigation of the globe. He was again celebrated as a hero and was awarded a pension of £1000 per year.
In 1595, Cavendish set out on his third and final voyage of exploration. He sailed to the Caribbean, then to the coast of Brazil, and eventually to the Strait of Magellan. He explored the coast of South America, reaching as far south as the Strait of Le Maire. He then sailed north, reaching the coast of California before turning east and crossing the Pacific. He eventually reached the Philippines, where he was forced to abandon his ship due to a lack of supplies.
Cavendish returned to England in 1596, having completed the third English circumnavigation of the globe. He was again celebrated as a hero and was awarded a pension of £1500 per year.
Cavendish died in 1592, at the age of 32. He was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's Church in Trimley St. Martin.
Thomas Cavendish was an important figure in the history of exploration. He was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, and his voyages of exploration helped to open up the world to English exploration and trade. He was also a successful privateer, earning a considerable fortune from his exploits. His legacy lives on today, as his voyages of exploration helped to shape the world we know today.