Adams was born to a working-class family in Gillingham, Kent. As a young boy, he showed an interest in shipbuilding and the navy. At the age of twelve, Adams’ father died and he became an apprentice in the local shipyard. After completing his training, he entered into the Royal Navy, serving under the legendary Sir Francis Drake and seeing combat on numerous fronts against the Spanish Armada. After the war, he returned to civilian life and began to take part in merchant voyages with the Dutch.
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