Mary Newman's Cottage

Image: © Rob Farrow Taken: 13 Apr 2012

Mary Newman was the first wife of Sir Francis Drake. She was born in 1552 most probably in London but she lived in Saltash at some point, it is thought in this house. Drake met Mary's father Richard while they were both adventuring in the Caribbean. On his return Drake started courting Mary and they married on July 4th 1569 in St Budeaux, a parish north of Plymouth in Devon and almost directly opposite Saltash on the other side of the Tamar. Eight years later, while Mary was living in Saltash (probably at this house), she was informed that her husband had perished at sea. However, this was far from true, as three years later he arrived safely home with his ship, the Golden Hind, stuffed to the gunwales with treasure. The following year (1581) Elizabeth I knighted Drake - the couple were now Sir Francis and Lady Mary. They were elected mayor and mayoress of Plymouth, and with their new wealth moved to the splendid Buckland Abbey, north of Plymouth. However, just two years later, Mary died in January 1583 possibly succumbing to the scourge of the age, smallpox, though there is no definitive record of this. Two funeral services were held for her, the first at St Andrew's church in Plymouth, the second at St Budeaux where she had married Francis; this is where she is interred. See also Image] by Tony Atkin.

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