The History of Drake's Island
He who holds the Island holds Plymouth
Sir Francis Drake
Born out of the sea 400 million years ago Drake’s Island has been a place of pilgrimage, a refuge, a fort, a prison, an observatory and an adventure centre. The fortifications have defended Plymouth from the time of the Spanish Armada to the World Wars. It has been the starting point for the voyages of discovery of some of the greatest of our explorers, Drake, Cook and Darwin. Still a place of mystery and rumour discover Drake’s Island and the lives of those that lived there. For the latest Island news including how to book tickets for a guided tour go to Historic Visitor Attraction in Plymouth, Devon | Drake’s Island (drakes-island.com)
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THE 1870’S, THE ROUTLEDGE FAMILY EXPANDS ALONGSIDE THE THREE TOWNS AND THERE IS A MUTINY ON DRAKE’S ISLAND
The next census in 1871 coincided with the formation of Germany as a country with Kaiser Wilhelm I as Emperor. The...
1861 to 1871 The Routledges, The Palmerston Forts and a Massive Hoax on the Hoe
Just before the 1861 Census was taken on 7th April 1861 modern Italy came into being as most of the independent states...
The Island, the Three Towns and the Routledges 1851 to 1861
As Acting Bombardier Richard Routledge carried out his duties on the Island in 1851 along with his fellow Gunners and...