Who was a knighted explorer?

Sir Francis Drake was a notable knighted explorer, recognized for his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580. He was the first Englishman to achieve this feat, and his exploits contributed significantly to England's maritime power. Drake was also a vice admiral in the English navy and played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. His knighthood was awarded by Queen Elizabeth I in acknowledgment of his achievements.