FROBISHER, Sir Martin, English navigator, born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England, about 1536; died in Plymouth, England, 7 November 1594. He was bred to the sea. In search of a northwest passage to India, and under the patronage of the Earl of War wick and other noblemen, he sailed with a fleet of three vessels from the port of Deptford in 1576. After exploring different parts of the Arctic coast, and entering the strait that bears his name, he returned to England, carrying with him some black ore, which is said to have contained gold. In consequence of this discovery, he was encouraged to make two more voyages, which proved fruitless. In 1585 he accompanied Drake to the West Indies. On board the " Triumph" he took part in the destruction of the Spanish armada in 1588, and was honored with knighthood for his bravery. In 1594 he lent a helping hand to Henry IV. of France against the Leaguers and Philip II. of Spain, and while attacking a fort near Brest received a mortal wound.