Drake Circus

Time was when there were more local street names commemorating one of the area’s most famous sons than there are today; there was Drake’s Terrace off the east side of Hill Street, between Ebrington Street and Moon Street, there was Drake Street, off Old Town Street and there were Drake Chambers in Old Town Street itself.

Now we just have the reconstructed Drake Circus, the comparatively modern Drake Way at Plymstock and of course the Island. Originally known as St Michael’s Island and then, after its chapel was rededicated, St Nicholas’ Island its most recent name first started to be used after Drake was appointed Governor of the Island in the early 1580s - however it is not recorded whether or not the Crowndale - (Tavistock) - born man ever accepted the title. 

Sir Francis Drake (c1540-1596) is also less well represented in local pub names than he used to be, only the Drake’s Drum (Drake Way) and the Golden Hind recall his exploits today.