Richard Whitbourne facts for kids
Sir Richard Whitbourne (born 1561 – died 1635) was an English explorer, sailor, and writer. He played an important role in the early history of Newfoundland, helping to set up colonies and establish rules.
Richard Whitbourne was born in England, near a place called Bishopsteignton in south Devon. He was baptized on June 20, 1561. When he was young, he worked for a merchant in Southampton. This job allowed him to travel a lot by ship. He sailed all around Europe and made two trips to Newfoundland.
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Early Life and Adventures
Richard Whitbourne was a skilled sailor from a young age. He gained a lot of experience by traveling across the seas. These early voyages helped him become the experienced mariner he was known to be.
Serving Against the Spanish Armada
Whitbourne was also a brave fighter. He commanded his own ship during a major historical event: the battle against the Great Armada. This was a huge fleet of ships sent by Spain to attack England. Whitbourne served under Lord Admiral Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk during this important conflict.
Thirty Years in Newfoundland Fishing
After his time in the navy, Whitbourne spent about thirty years working in the cod fishing industry. He fished off the coast of Newfoundland. This long period gave him a deep understanding of the island and its waters.
Helping Others Seek Forgiveness
Whitbourne also helped some well-known sailors, Peter Easton and Henry Mainwaring. These men had been involved in activities that were against the law at the time. Whitbourne helped them get official forgiveness from King James I of England. This shows his influence and connections.
Establishing Law and Order in Newfoundland
Richard Whitbourne was asked by William Vaughan to help govern a new settlement. This settlement was a colony located at Renews in Newfoundland. Whitbourne served as the governor from 1618 until 1620. Vaughan eventually decided to stop his efforts to build the colony.
First Court of Justice in North America
One of Whitbourne's most important contributions was bringing law and order to the new colonies. He was the first person to hold a court of justice in North America. This historic event took place in 1615 at Trinity, Newfoundland. This court helped to settle disputes and make sure rules were followed in the growing settlements.
Promoting Colonization in Newfoundland
In 1620, Whitbourne wrote and published a book called A Discourse and Discovery of New-found-land. The main purpose of this book was to encourage more people to move to and settle on the island of Newfoundland. He wanted to show others the opportunities available there.
Later Life and Legacy
Between 1589 and 1627, Richard Whitbourne owned a house near Exmouth in England. The exact details of his death are not fully known. He may have died during a voyage, or his burial place could be in his hometown or in London. Despite this, his work in Newfoundland left a lasting mark on the history of North America.
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