Humphrey Gilbert was an English explorer and soldier who was born in 1539 in Devon, England. He was the second son of Otho Gilbert, a wealthy landowner and member of the gentry. Gilbert was educated at Eton College and then at Oxford University, where he studied law. He was a member of the Parliament of England from 1563 to 1567.
Gilbert was an avid supporter of the Protestant Reformation and was a strong advocate for the colonization of North America. He was the first to propose a plan for the colonization of North America in 1578. He proposed that England should establish a colony in the New World and that the settlers should be given the same rights and privileges as English citizens.
In 1583, Gilbert was granted a royal patent to explore and colonize North America. He set sail with five ships and a crew of about 200 men. He arrived in Newfoundland in August of 1583 and claimed the land for England. He named the area “New Albion” and declared himself the first governor of the new colony.
Gilbert then sailed south along the coast of North America, exploring and mapping the area. He made contact with the native peoples and attempted to establish friendly relations with them. He also established a trading post in Newfoundland and attempted to establish a fishing industry.
Unfortunately, Gilbert’s expedition was cut short when his ship, the Squirrel, was lost in a storm off the coast of Newfoundland. Gilbert and all of his crew were lost at sea.
Despite his untimely death, Gilbert’s legacy lives on. He was the first Englishman to attempt to colonize North America and his efforts laid the groundwork for future English colonization. He was also the first to propose a plan for the colonization of North America and his ideas were influential in the establishment of the British Empire.
Today, Humphrey Gilbert is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of English exploration and colonization. He was a brave and determined explorer who was willing to risk his life in pursuit of his dreams. His legacy lives on in the many places he explored and in the many lives he touched.