Francis Drake (January 1696 – 16 March 1771) was an English antiquary and surgeon, best known as the author of an influential history of York, which he entitled Eboracum after the Roman name for the city.

In 1720, in York Minster, Drake married Mary Woodyeare, daughter of a former secretary to Sir William Temple, 1st Baronet.

Mary Drake died in 1728 at the age of 35 and was buried in the church of St Michael le Belfrey, where there is a wall monument to her.

Acknowledged as giving Drake assistance with Eboracum were: John Anstis, Brian Fairfax, Roger Gale, George Holmes, Henry Keepe, Benjamin Langwith, and Browne Willis.

In 1767, failing health compelled him to leave York to live with his eldest son, Francis, who was the vicar of St Mary's Church, Beverley.

Although ill health caused Drake to retire, the impetus he imparted to the lodge gave it life for the next thirty years.