Sir Walter Raleigh
- Born:
- c. 1552/1554, Hayes Barton, Devon, England
- Died:
- 29 October 1618, London, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Explorer, Soldier, Courtier, Writer, Poet
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Protestant family in Devon, England.
- Served as a volunteer in the French religious civil wars from 1569.
- Attended Oriel College, Oxford, but did not take a degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained Queen Elizabeth I's favor in the 1580s.
- Received a royal charter to explore and colonize North America.
- Established the Roanoke Colony (present-day North Carolina), though it ultimately failed.
- Knighted in 1585.
- Commanded a ship against the Spanish Armada in 1588.
- Led expeditions to Guiana in search of El Dorado.
- Fell out of favor with King James I and was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
- Executed for treason in 1618.
Notable Works
- The History of the World (1614) - written during his imprisonment.
- Various poems, including works reflecting on his experiences at sea, and while not formally anthologized as 'sir walter raleigh poems about ocean', some of his poetry certainly reflects on seafaring and exploration.
- The Discoverie of the Large and Bewtiful Empire of Guiana (1596).
Legacy and Impact
Sir Walter Raleigh was a significant figure in English history, known for his exploration, military prowess, and literary contributions. His attempts at colonization, though ultimately unsuccessful, played a role in the eventual establishment of English settlements in North America. His writings, particularly The History of the World, were influential in their time.