Humphrey Gilbert

Date of Birth: c. September 1539

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: September 9, 1583

Biography

Sir Humphrey Gilbert was an English explorer, soldier, and politician, known for his early attempts to establish an English colony in North America. Born into a wealthy and influential family, Gilbert was the half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh, another prominent figure in the Age of Exploration. Gilbert was educated at Eton and Oxford, and his early career was marked by military service in Ireland and the Netherlands. In the late 1570s, Gilbert turned his attention to exploration and colonization, inspired by the success of the Spanish and Portuguese overseas empires. In 1578, he obtained a royal patent from Queen Elizabeth I, granting him the right to explore and settle unclaimed territories in the New World. His first expedition in 1579 was unsuccessful, but he persevered and led a second expedition in 1583. On this voyage, Gilbert claimed the island of Newfoundland for England, marking the first English possession in North America. Unfortunately, the return journey was fraught with difficulties, and Gilbert’s ship, the Squirrel, was lost at sea. Despite his tragic end, Gilbert’s efforts laid the groundwork for future English colonization efforts.

5 Interesting Facts about Humphrey Gilbert

1. Gilbert was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1570 for his military service in Ireland.

2. He authored a discourse on the Northwest Passage, advocating for the exploration of a northern route to Asia.

3. Gilbert’s half-brother, Sir Walter Raleigh, continued his colonization efforts after Gilbert’s death.

4. He established the first English colony in North America, albeit temporary, in Newfoundland.

5. Gilbert was known for his fierce and sometimes ruthless military tactics, particularly during his campaigns in Ireland.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Humphrey Gilbert

1. “We are as near to heaven by sea as by land.”

2. “He who commands the sea has command of everything.”

3. “The world is but a canvas to our imaginations.”

4. “I will not lay down my arms until I have secured my country’s future.”

5. “A brave man dies but once, a coward many times.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s highest net worth is not precisely documented; however, as a member of the English gentry and through his military and colonial endeavors, he likely had considerable wealth for his time.

Children

Humphrey Gilbert had six children with his wife, Anne Aucher. Their names were: 1. John Gilbert 2. Humphrey Gilbert 3. Adrian Gilbert 4. Otho Gilbert 5. Elizabeth Gilbert 6. Raleigh Gilbert