Robert Leighton
The Golden Galleon
Being a Narrative of the Adventures of Master Gilbert Oglander, and of how, in the Year 1591, he fought under the gallant Sir Richard Grenville in the Great Sea-fight off Flores, on board her Majesty's Ship the Revenge
"The Golden Galleon" by Robert Leighton is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Master Gilbert Oglander, a young heir during the vibrant reign of Queen Elizabeth, as he embarks on adventures filled with naval battles and encounters with various characters of the time, including famous figures like Sir Richard Grenville. The narrative promises a lively depiction of life during the Elizabethan era, complete with thrilling escapades on the sea. The opening of the novel introduces us to Timothy Trollope, the son of a barber-surgeon in Plymouth, who dreams of a life at sea. As he reluctantly gathers herbs for his father, he encounters a lively hawking party led by the noble Baron Champernoun and his granddaughter, Drusilla. The playful interactions set the stage for Timothy's aspirations for adventure and kinship with the noble Oglanders. Meanwhile, Gilbert Oglander, Drusilla's brother, is depicted as a bold young heir who seems poised for a journey filled with excitement and valor, hinting at the promise of future conflicts and dramatic sea battles hinted at in the text.