The Explorers Podcast Drake's Brass Plate - Relic or Hoax? From History Dispatches
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Mar 23, 2025 Discover the intriguing story of a small brass plate found near San Francisco, rumored to be linked to Francis Drake's 1579 expedition. Unravel the excitement and skepticism surrounding its authenticity. Delve into the historical implications of this relic's potential forgery and the exploration challenges faced along the California coast. Learn about the fascinating details of old maps and how they shaped perceptions of the area's visibility. This captivating tale blends exploration with deception in a delightful historical adventure.
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Drake's Plate Discovery
- In 1933, a brass plate was found near Drake's Bay, possibly a relic of Francis Drake's 1579 landing.
- It matched descriptions of a plate Drake left, claiming the region for England.
Drake's Voyage and the Plate
- Francis Drake's circumnavigation records were suppressed, leaving the location of his landing unclear.
- A surviving diary mentioned a brass plate left by Drake, claiming land for Queen Elizabeth.
The ECV Prank
- The E Clampus Vitis (ECV), a group of history enthusiasts, created a fake brass plate as a prank.
- They intended to trick Professor Bolton, who was obsessed with finding the real plate.