Answer:
Well, I figure it depends on the individual you're asking. On one hand, Sir Francis Drake was adored in Britain, particularly by the Ruler, since his investigations brought numerous wealth to his domestic nation. On the other hand, he was a privateer, so to say, since he stole that gold and wealth from other ships he came over. Also, he was portrayed as "ruthless, self-important, self-willed, avaricious, money-minded, and flippant" man, so I figure he would be more of a lowlife than a hero.