TAVISTOCK's most famous son has been credited with the discovery of California, according to a new study by experts in America.

According to the latest report, the great seafarer Sir Francis Drake landed on the Point Reyes Peninsula, north of San Francisco, on June 17, 1579, and was said to have ordered his crew to nail a brass plaque to a tree, claiming the land for Elizabeth 1.

Drake is considered one of England's greatest naval heroes, having led the English to victory against the invading Spanish Armada in 1588. He was also the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe — but mystery had always surrounded the precise location that the seagoing adventurer first landed on America's Pacific Coast.

Twenty-nine different places have been suggested, ranging from British Columbia in the Canada to as far south as San Diego.

Now, a five-year study by the Drake Navigators' Guild has concluded that Point Reyes was the spot.

In its report to the US government, the Guild cited more than 50 historical facts to support its findings, including detailed 16th century reports that tally with the topography of the area.

John Dell'Osso, chief of interpretation at Point Reyes National Seashore, said: 'The Point Reyes claim simply had more evidence than any other possible site.'

The new official Drake landing site has now been named by the US government as one of 27 sites that are national historic landmarks.