Walter Raleigh was an explorer, writer, and soldier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He is most remembered for his involvement in colonial ventures in North America, but he also had a long and distinguished career in politics and diplomacy.
Raleigh was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, who knighted him for his bravery in battle. He also had a turbulent relationship with King James I, who eventually executed him for treason.
This article will explore the life, achievements, and events of Walter Raleigh – one of the most colorful figures of Tudor England.
Early Life
Walter Raleigh was born in 1552 to a very wealthy family in Devon, England. His father was a gentleman farmer and his mother was the daughter of a prominent local judge. Raleigh received an excellent education, and he developed a love for adventure and travel from an early age.
In 1569, at the age of 17, Raleigh traveled to Ireland with Sir Humphrey Gilbert – one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite explorers. He took part in several expeditions to explore the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, and he also fought in several battles against the Irish rebels.
Raleigh returned to England in 1572, just as the country was plunged into civil war between Queen Elizabeth and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots. He joined Lord Essex’s army and fought in the Battle of Worcester, where he was wounded.
Political Career
After the death of Queen Mary, Raleigh resumed his career in politics. He was elected to Parliament in 1584, and he soon gained a reputation as an eloquent speaker and a talented administrator.
In 1585, Raleigh was appointed captain of the Queen’s guard, and the following year he was sent on a diplomatic mission to France. He also became involved in colonial ventures in North America, where he founded the first English colony at Roanoke Island.
Raleigh’s career reached its peak in 1587 when Queen Elizabeth knighted him for his bravery in battle. That same year, she also granted him a royal charter to explore Virginia – one of the first official concessions made by the British crown to colonize North America.
Turbulent Relationship with James I
However, Raleigh’s relationship with the new king, James I, was much more turbulent. James was suspicious of Raleigh’s close ties to the Queen, and he also resented his rival’s colonial ventures in North America.
In 1603, Raleigh was arrested and charged with treason for allegedly plotting against King James. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for 13 years, but he was eventually released in 1616.
Final Years
Raleigh returned to North America in 1617, where he attempted to establish a new colony on the banks of the James River. However, this venture failed, and Raleigh returned to England in disgrace.
He was arrested once again and charged with treason, this time for allegedly plotting to overthrow King James and put his daughter Princess Elizabeth on the throne. Raleigh was executed by beheading in 1618.
Despite his turbulent relationship with King James, Walter Raleigh remains one of the most colorful figures of Tudor England. He was a brave explorer and soldier, an eloquent speaker and a talented administrator – and he also had a passion for adventure and travel that led him to explore some of the most remote corners of the world.
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Link will appear as Hanson, Marilee. "Walter Raleigh" https://englishhistory.net/tudor/citizens/walter-raleigh/, January 26, 2022