Sir Francis Drake, a hero to the English, known as The Dragon to the Spanish. Drake's voyages and attacks brought endless stolen plunder to Queen Elizabeth I and the English crown. But who was Francis Drake and how did this explorer become such a fearsome pirate? Watch the new series Pirates: Behind the Legends from Sunday 18th August at 8pm, on National Geographic UK. | National Geographic UK

To open up Sir Francis Drake’s treasure chest, we had to make a key. Find out what was inside by watching the full film: rmg.co.uk/NewGalleries National hero or ruthless pirate? Uncover treasures, trinkets and the truth about Francis Drake in our brand new Tudor and Stuart Seafarers gallery – one of four #NewGalleries opening September 2018 at The National Maritime Museum. | Royal Museums Greenwich

Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake was buried at sea in full armor inside of a lead coffin. ⚰️ Joshua Gates is on a mission to find Drake's watery grave and his long lost treasure on Expedition Unknown -- Wednesday at 9p on Discovery. | Expedition Unknown

💭Did you know ...Sir Francis Drake remains the most polarizing figure to ever sail the high seas, embodying the thin, blood-stained line between a legendary explorer and a ruthless predator. To Queen Elizabeth I and the English people, he was a knighted hero and a master navigator who achieved the impossible by circumnavigating the globe in a single voyage. Yet, to the Spanish Empire, he was "El Draque" the Dragon, a state-sponsored terrorist who left a trail of smoldering ports and plundered g