In 1590, Sir Richard had gone on an expedition with the Queen's approval to find out new and unknown lands, their governments, local people etc and come back to England via Japan, China and the East Indies. In 1598, Cecil got the news of Richard being held captive by the Spaniards.

There were letters sent by Richard from prison asking the queen and Sir Henry Neville, English ambassador at Paris for compensation for both his and his father's service to the Queen.

In 1602, after ten long years of being held as a prisoner, Sir Richard was finally released after a ransom of $ 12,000 was paid. When Richard came home, he had lost a lot during his captivity. His father, John Hawkins had died, their family properties had been destroyed and most importantly, he had lost his essential years of his life.

In 1620, he was to control the Vanguard as the Vice Admiral under Admiral Sir Robert Mansell. After Sir Mansell's death, Richard was incharge of the Vanguard as the Admiral.

During 1614 Sir Richard was asked to go on an expedition to the Solomon Island as it was thought to be covered with gold. This voyage was cancelled after some time. However, despite his age, he was offered voyages to place like the Indies. Sir Richard for the last time was at sea as a Vice Admiral to a ship. He returned to England in 1622.

Before dying, Sir Richard Hawkins made a will which stated that he had a sick and a weak body, but his mind and memory were perfectly working. Richard had lost out on most of his property and the only thing left was the manor of Poole at Slapton and some house property in Plymouth.

With the death of Sir Richard the prominent family that made Plymouth so famous by their activities came to a drastic end.

Elizabethan Era England Life: This site gives information on various aspects of life during Elizabethan Times in England.

It covers Elizabethan Costumes/Clothing for men and women, Elizabethian Fashion, Crime, Torture, Theater/Stage, Arts and Culture, Family, Children, Family, Sports/Games, Education, Medicine and many other facts about the Elizabethan Period. Elizabethan Age is considered as a golden Era in English History. There is also information on Famous Pirates, Famous Woman Pirates, Pirate Costumes, Pirate Ships, Famous Explorers and Spanish Armada