Navigating the Unknown
An Explorer's Chronicle of Arctic Ambition and Naval Valor.
Early Life ๐ Arctic Expeditions ๐บ๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Early Life and Ventures
Origins
Born circa 1535 or 1539 in Altofts, Yorkshire, Martin Frobisher was the son of Bernard Frobisher and Margaret York. His early education was rudimentary, and he was sent to London to live with his maternal uncle, Sir John York, a prosperous merchant with significant connections.
First Expeditions
Frobisher's maritime career began with voyages to West Africa. In 1553, he accompanied Thomas Wyndham's expedition to the Gold Coast, engaging in trade and facing perilous conditions, including disease and ship loss. Despite the hardships, the voyage was financially successful, leading to further expeditions, including one in 1554 to Portuguese Guinea, where Frobisher was captured and imprisoned in Portugal before eventually returning to England.
Privateer and Pirate
A Life at Sea
Following his return from Portugal, Frobisher engaged in various maritime activities, often blurring the lines between privateering and piracy. He married Isobel Richard in 1559, but his seafaring life frequently took him away, and his financial ventures strained their relationship. His activities often led to brushes with the law, including arrests and imprisonment for piracy and involvement in plots, though he was frequently released due to the intervention of influential figures like Lord High Admiral Edward Fiennes de Clinton and William Cecil.
Service and Intrigue
By the 1570s, Frobisher was undertaking assignments for the Privy Council, including efforts against pirates and smugglers. He also became involved in various political intrigues, potentially acting as a double agent. His early career was marked by a persistent struggle for recognition and opportunity, often navigating complex relationships with investors and authorities.
The Quest for the Northwest Passage
Historical Context
During the 16th century, England actively sought a northern maritime route to Asia (Cathay and the East Indies). Previous attempts by explorers like Sebastian Cabot and Humphrey Gilbert had highlighted the potential and challenges. Frobisher petitioned the Privy Council in 1574 for support to find such a passage, leading him to engage with the Muscovy Company, which held rights to northern sea routes.
The Lure of Gold
Frobisher's expeditions were significantly driven by the prospect of finding gold. On his second voyage, he discovered what he believed to be gold ore. He transported substantial quantities back to England, where initial assays, influenced by an Italian alchemist, suggested profitability. However, years of smelting revealed the ore to be worthless mineral hornblende, leading to financial ruin for investors like Michael Lok and disappointment for the Crown.
First Voyage (1576)
Departure and Discovery
In 1576, Frobisher led a small expedition of three vessels, including the 20-ton Gabriel and Michael, funded partly by Michael Lok and supported by Queen Elizabeth I. The voyage aimed to find the Northwest Passage. After encountering storms and ice, Frobisher sighted Greenland and then landed on what is now Baffin Island, which he named "Queen Elizabeth's Foreland." He entered what he believed to be a strait, later named Frobisher Bay.
Encounters and Ore
During this voyage, Frobisher's men encountered local Inuit. A misunderstanding led to the capture of five of Frobisher's men by the Inuit, and Frobisher retaliated by taking an Inuit man hostage. The missing men were never recovered. The expedition returned with a small quantity of black ore, which, despite initial negative assessments, was later declared gold-bearing by an alchemist, fueling ambitions for future voyages.
Second Voyage (1577)
Preparations and Purpose
The second expedition in 1577 was significantly larger, comprising fifteen vessels, including the Queen's ship Aid. The primary objective shifted from pure exploration to the extraction of the newly discovered gold ore. The crew included miners, refiners, and merchants, indicating a strong focus on commercial exploitation.
Ore Collection and Inuit Return
Frobisher spent several weeks collecting ore from the islands and shores of Frobisher Bay, with limited success in further exploration of the passage. There were further skirmishes with the Inuit, and Frobisher forcibly brought three Inuit individualsโa man, a woman, and a childโback to England. Tragically, all three died shortly after arrival due to the harsh conditions and unfamiliar environment.
Third Voyage (1578)
Establishing a Colony
The third and final Arctic expedition in 1578 was the most ambitious, with fifteen ships and over 400 men. The goal was to establish a permanent colony in the newly named territory, Meta Incognita ("Unknown Shore"). The Queen bestowed her favor upon Frobisher, presenting him with a gold chain.
Disappointment and Failure
Despite extensive preparations, the voyage was plagued by misfortune. Stormy weather and ice separated the fleet, and a navigational error led them into what is now Hudson Strait, which Frobisher mistakenly believed was not the passage. Attempts to establish a settlement were hampered by internal dissent and discontent. The vast quantities of ore shipped back proved to be worthless, leading to the bankruptcy of the Cathay Company and the ruin of its chief financier, Michael Lok.
Naval Service and the Spanish Armada
Service in Ireland and Abroad
Following the disappointing outcome of his Arctic ventures, Frobisher sought employment in more conventional naval operations. He served in Ireland during the Desmond Rebellions and participated in Francis Drake's 1585 raids on Spanish ports in the West Indies, where he held the rank of vice-admiral.
Defending England
Frobisher played a significant role in the defense against the Spanish Armada in 1588. Commanding the Triumph, the Royal Navy's largest ship, he engaged the Spanish fleet in several key battles, including the engagements off Gravelines. His bravery and skill were recognized when he was knighted by Lord Howard aboard the Ark Royal for his valor. His actions contributed significantly to the English victory.
Later Life and Final Campaigns
Personal Life and Property
In his later years, Frobisher married Dorothy Wentworth, a widow of noble lineage. He acquired property, including the manor of Whitwood in Yorkshire, signifying his elevated social status. Despite these domestic arrangements, his active naval career continued.
Final Engagements
In 1590, Frobisher commanded efforts to intercept Spanish treasure fleets. He led squadrons in blockading the Spanish coast and participated in the siege and relief of Brest in 1594. During the Siege of Fort Crozon, he sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh. An ensuing infection, resulting from a surgical error, led to his death in Plymouth on November 22, 1594.
Enduring Legacy
Naval and Geographical Naming
Frobisher's name is memorialized in various ways. The Royal Navy commissioned the Hawkins-class cruiser HMS Frobisher. Geographically, Frobisher Bay in Nunavut, Canada, and the former capital city of Iqaluit (formerly Frobisher Bay) bear his name, acknowledging his Arctic explorations. His legacy also extends to a Canadian postage stamp issued in his honor.
Cultural and Educational Impact
His influence is seen in London's Barbican Estate, where Frobisher Crescent is named in his honor. Educational institutions, such as Martin Frobisher Infants School in his birthplace of Altofts, carry his name. His story has also been depicted in popular culture, including a minor role in the film The Sea Hawk.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Martin Frobisher" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- McDermott (2001a), pp.ย 21รขยย22; McGhee (2001), p.ย 25.
- McDermott (2001a), pp.ย 35รขยย38; McGhee (2001), p.ย 27.
- McDermott (2001a), pp.ย 39รขยย40; McGhee (2001), p.ย 27.
- McDermott (1999), pp.ย 62รขยย63; McDermott (2015).
- Garrard was one of the five men captured by the Inuit several days later.(McDermott 2001a, p.ย 72)
- McDermott (2001a), p.ย 160; McGhee (2001), p.ย 59.
- Discovery of Martin Frobisher's Baffin Island "ore" in Ireland
- Kelsey (2009); McDermott (2005), p.ย 257.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, maritime consultation, or navigational advice. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for specific historical or navigational inquiries.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.