Mariner and colonist. His family name appears to have originally been Sicklemore, and why he chose to call himself Ratcliffe remains a riddle. He was captain of the 'Discovery', one of three ships that sailed to found the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia, and later became the second president of the colony. He was killed by the Pamunkey native Americans when he was going to trade with them in 1609.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
John Ratcliffe
This voyage took place 16 years before the Mayflower. The memorial has a his...
Diplomat, poet, hedonist and traveller. Born Petworth House, Sussex. Advocated anti-Imperialism, and supported Irish nationalism. Legendary womaniser, one being William Morris's wife, Jane. Married...
The first governing document of Plymouth Colony. Written by the 'Separatists' who were passengers on the Mayflower. It was signed by forty-one members while the ship was anchored in what is now Pro...
Role on the lost expedition: Boy on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.
Role on the lost expedition: Able seaman on SS Terror. See John Franklin.
Born Putney. Captain in the Dragoons. One of Scott's four companions who died with him, returning from the South Pole. Frost-bitten and weak he saw that he was slowing down the whole team and so, o...
