Drake’s Drum
You may be familiar with Sir Francis Drake, but did you know this Elizabethan figure also had some folklore attached to him? Knighted in 1581, it appears this knight who was the second captain to circumnavigate the world has some secrets yet.
Although the folklore never really followed him in his active life, it certainly took on quite a bit of popularity after his death. He had a particular snare drum that was allegedly known to those who sailed with him. It was a gorgeous item that many knew him to travel with. It was emblazoned with his family’s coat of arms and several other ornate designs.
In 1596, shortly before he died, he requested that his drum be returned to England. And, if England was ever in desperate need, it should be beaten and played. He assured that this would rouse him for his grave and allow him to defend his beloved country.
His last wish was granted and his precious drum was returned to Buckland Abbey, his family home. Drake was widely known as one of England’s fiercest defenders and protectors, and those that respected his role continued to beat the drum whenever England was in need. It is also reported that the drum could be heard beating itself on a number of occasions, and that drumming could be heard in several situations when there were no drums present - such as when the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and when WWI began.
During WWII, in 1938, Drake’s family home was partially destroyed by fire. However, the drum was rescued and moved to safety. However, some family members implored it be put back in the house, for fear it was moved from its rightful home the city would fall. The residents agreed to put it back and the home and the city remained safe for the remainder of the war.
Those who were on the beaches during the Dunkirk evacuation also claimed to hear a drumming, although no drums or drummers were present. Some believe this was a sign that Drake was right there with them, fighting for England.
Some believe this legend came from poet Charles Fitz Geffrey in his poem written months after Drake’s death. His poem, ‘Sir Francis Drake, His Hounourable Life’s Commendation And His Tragical Death Lamentation’ ends in:
The sea no more, heaven then shall be his tomb
Where he a new made star eternally
Shall shine transparent to spectator's eye
But shall to us a radiant light remain
He who alive to them a dragon was
Shall be a dragon unto them again
For with his death his terror shall not pass
But still amid the air he shall remain
This role continued because England wished it to be so!
If you believe any of this at all…what kind of magic allowed this to be possible? Is the power of thought and personhood really that strong? Or, is the belief and inspiration of this man really enough to get people to believe they hear the drums during these momentous moments?
Currently, the drum is publicly displayed in Buckland Abbey.
Thank you Stacy C. for the blogstonishing suggestion!
The image depicts Drake’s Drum, arriving at Buckland Abbey from Plymouth City Museum, 1951