Prince. Born in Porto, Portugal. Son of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, John of Gaunt's daughter. His soubriquet is misleading, as he did most of his 'navigating' from dry land rather than on board a ship. He did some actual exploring along the coast of West Africa in search of the legendary kingdom of Prester John. In 1420 he was appointed governor of the Order of Christ, the Portuguese equivalent of the Knights Templar. His patronage of exploration resulted in the discovery of the Azores and the Madeira and Cape Verde Islands. Died at Sagres.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
