A half-length portrait to left in black gilded half armour and a plumed hat. His sword hangs from a baldric of gilt chains and to the left his coat of arms has been displayed above a burgonet-type helmet. The portrait is inscribed and dated 'Ano dni 1577' and 'Aetatis suae 42', with the motto 'Tousiours prest a servir' below the coat of arms (In the year of Our Lord 1577, In the 42 year of his age, 'always ready to serve').

Richard Drake was the business manager and prize agent to his cousin, Sir Francis Drake. He took charge of the Spanish Armada prisoners taken off Plymouth in 1588, which included the Spanish vice-admiral, Don Pedro de Valdes.