Walter Raleigh

Date of Birth: January 22, 1552

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: October 29, 1618

Biography

Sir Walter Raleigh was an English explorer, soldier, writer, and courtier born in the mid-16th century. He played a significant role in the English colonization of North America and was instrumental in popularizing tobacco in England. Raleigh was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and was knighted in 1585. His ventures included expeditions to the New World and efforts to establish colonies, such as the ill-fated Roanoke Colony, also known as the “Lost Colony.” Raleigh’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London on multiple occasions, first for secretly marrying one of Queen Elizabeth’s maids of honor and later for alleged treason against King James I. Despite this, he authored several notable works, including *The Discovery of Guiana* and *The History of the World*. Raleigh was eventually executed in 1618 after a failed expedition to find El Dorado and a subsequent accusation of plotting against the Spanish.

5 Interesting Facts about Walter Raleigh

1. Walter Raleigh popularized tobacco smoking in England.

2. He was instrumental in the English efforts to colonize North America, particularly the Roanoke Colony.

3. Raleigh was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1585.

4. He wrote several important works, including *The Discovery of Guiana* and *The History of the World*.

5. Raleigh was executed for treason in 1618 after a failed expedition to find the legendary city of El Dorado.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Raleigh

1. “But true love is a durable fire, in the mind ever burning.”

2. “Fain would I, but I dare not; I dare, and yet I may not.”

3. “The world itself is but a larger prison, out of which some are daily led to execution.”

4. “No mortal thing can bear so high a price, but that with mortal thing it may be bought.”

5. “The duty of an historian is simply to relate events in the order they happened, and to keep himself as much as possible out of sight.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

It is difficult to estimate the net worth of historical figures like Walter Raleigh in modern terms. However, at the height of his influence, he was considered one of the wealthiest and most influential men in England due to his landholdings, court appointments, and the riches he amassed from his expeditions.

Children

Walter Raleigh had three known children with his wife Elizabeth “Bess” Throckmorton: 1. Damerei Raleigh (died in infancy) 2. Walter Raleigh (known as Wat), who died in the Battle of Saint Kitts in 1617 3. Carew Raleigh, who lived a longer life and was involved in political affairs