Sir Walter Raleigh
Person Male Born 1554 Died 29/10/1618
Courtier, explorer, author and puddle-coverer. Born Devon. Became a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and explored Virginia, America, for her, enabling its colonisation. Briefly imprisoned in the Tower for marrying without the Queen's permission. Explored part of of South America looking for El Dorado and in the process upset the Spanish. This, together with an accusation of plotting against James I brought about his imprisonment and execution at Old Palace Yard.
See other memorials in this area