Sir Walter Raleigh.

One of the most notable of England's sons was Sir Walter Raleigh, military and naval commander, pioneer of colonization, author and hero. He was born at Hayes Barton, Devon, in 1552 and educated at Oriel College, Oxford. When a young man he served with the Hugenot Army in France, but in 1581, while attending the Court of Queen Elizabeth he became such a favourite with the Queen that he remained at Court for several years. In 1584 he was knighted, and in the same year he attempted the establishment of a colony on the east coast of North America, which, with a courtier's tact, he called, in honour of the Queen, “Virginia.” The introduction of potatoes and tobacco into Europe is attributed to Raleigh.

Committed to the Tower of London through Court intrigue, he was soon released, and immediately became interested in the Spanish story of a city called Manoa in South America of reputed fabulous wealth. He failed in his attempts to discover this city, but he brought back gold-bearing quartz.

In an expedition against Cadiz in 1596, he conducted his fleet with marked success.

Sir Walter was found guilty of conspiracy against James I. and again committed to the Tower, where he remained for 13 years. During this confinement he wrote a “History of the World.” As the price of his freedom Raleigh offered to disclose a gold mine of which he knew in South America. He was released, but before commencing this expedition, was especially instructed to avoid hostilities with the Spaniards. This proved to be impracticable. On arrival at the mouth of the Orinoco River Raleigh was so weak through fever that the inland expedition was placed under the command of Captain Keymis who failed to discover the gold mine. The failure of the Expedition, combined with the demands made by the Spanish ambassador regarding the burning of a Spanish village in South America led to Raleigh's execution in 1618.