Profile of the Day: Sir Walter Raleigh

Posted October 29, 2015 by Amanda | No Comment
Profile of the Day: Sir Walter Raleigh

Sir Walter Raleigh

On this day in 1618, explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was executed for treason by King James I.

One of the most prominent figures of the Elizabethan era and a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, Raleigh was instrumental in the English colonization of the New World. He was granted a royal patent to explore the new lands and invested in expeditions across the Atlantic to establish a colony on Roanoke Island. Today, the famed settlement is known as the “Lost Colony” after the disappearance of the settlers.

In 1617, Raleigh embarked on an expedition to South America in search of the legendary land of gold, El Dorado. During the expedition, Raleigh’s men ransacked a Spanish outpost without the approval of King James I. Outraged, Spain called for Raleigh’s execution. On October 29, 1618, Raleigh was executed by beheading at Westminster.

How are you related? Explore Sir Walter Raleigh’s family tree and discover your connection to the English explorer.
 

View Sir Walter Raleigh’s Geni Profile

 


Image: Wikimedia Commons

Post written by Amanda

Amanda is the Marketing Communications Manager at Geni. If you need any assistance, she will be happy to help!

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