Martin Frobisher

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Martin Frobisher (c. 1535 – 22 November 1594) was an English seaman and privateer who made three voyages to the New World to look for the Northwest Passage. He is best known for his explorations of the northeastern coast of Canada and his role in the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604).

Early Life

Martin Frobisher was born around 1535 in Yorkshire, England. Little is known about his early life, but he is believed to have gone to sea at a young age. By the 1560s, Frobisher had established himself as a privateer, attacking French and Spanish ships.

Voyages to the New World

First Voyage (1576)

In 1576, Frobisher set out on his first voyage to find the Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the Arctic Ocean. He sailed with three ships: the Gabriel, the Michael, and a small pinnace. Frobisher reached the coast of what is now Baffin Island and entered a bay, which he named Frobisher Bay.

Second Voyage (1577)

Encouraged by his initial findings, Frobisher embarked on a second voyage in 1577 with a larger fleet. This time, he brought back a large quantity of what he believed to be gold ore. However, upon return to England, the ore was found to be worthless.

Third Voyage (1578)

Despite the failure of the second voyage, Frobisher was funded for a third expedition in 1578. He sailed with a fleet of 15 ships, intending to establish a colony. However, harsh weather and ice conditions forced him to abandon the plan and return to England.

Later Life and Death

After his voyages to the New World, Frobisher continued his career as a privateer. He played a significant role in the Spanish Armada campaign of 1588, commanding the ship Triumph. Frobisher was knighted for his service. He died on 22 November 1594 from wounds sustained during an attack on a Spanish fort in Brest, France.

Legacy

Martin Frobisher is remembered as one of the early explorers of the Arctic and for his attempts to find the Northwest Passage. Frobisher Bay and the community of Iqaluit in Nunavut, Canada, are named in his honor.

Related Pages

• Northwest Passage
• Spanish Armada
• Baffin Island
• Iqaluit
• Privateer