The Roanoke Voyages, 1584-1590: Documents to Illustrate the English Voyages to North America under the Patent Granted to Walter Raleigh in 1584

1955

Journals G161 H2 Ser.2 no.104

London: Hakluyt Society

Although his name will forever be associated with the settlement of North America, Sir Walter Raleigh (c. 1552–1618) never made it to the New World. However, between 1584 and 1590, he helped fund expeditions to establish a colony, Roanoke (now North Carolina). One objective was political, to establish a base on the mainland to help facilitate ‘privateering’, especially aimed at any passing Spanish fleets. Another objective was scientific, to gather new flora and fauna. It was ultimately a disaster, with disorganisation, quarrels, and a hostile environment impeding progress. The ‘Roanoke Voyages’ did however pave the way for further exploration and settlement. Here is a copy of a sketch map of Raleigh’s Virginia, c. September 1585.