Richard Ligon facts for kids
Richard Ligon (around 1585–1662) was an English writer who lived a long time ago. He faced tough times in England during a big conflict called the English Civil War (1642-1651). Because he supported the King (a "royalist"), he lost a lot of his money. He even felt like a "stranger in my own country," as he wrote in his book.
To try and make his money back, Richard Ligon decided to travel. On June 14, 1647, he left England for Barbados. Barbados is an island in the Caribbean, which was then considered part of the "New World." Many other English people also went there hoping to find new opportunities.
Richard Ligon's Adventure in Barbados
When Richard Ligon arrived in Barbados, he bought part of a sugar plantation. A plantation is a large farm where crops like sugar cane are grown. He lived on the island for about two years. During his time there, he learned a lot about the island, its people, and its plants and animals.
Why Did Richard Ligon Leave Barbados?
After two years, Richard Ligon became very sick with a fever. Because of his illness, he had to return to England in 1650. Sadly, when he got back, he faced more problems. He had financial troubles and was put in prison because he owed money.
The Story Behind His Famous Book
While he was dealing with his financial difficulties, Richard Ligon wrote a very important book. This book is called A True and Exact History of the Island of Barbados. It was first published in London in 1657 and then again in 1673.
His book was a large one, filled with maps and pictures. It gave people in England a detailed look at life in Barbados during that time. It described the geography, the plants, the animals, and how people lived and worked on the sugar plantations. This book became a valuable source of information for future historians and anyone interested in the Caribbean.
