Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr facts for kids
Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr (born July 9, 1577 – died June 7, 1618) was an important English leader. He was a businessman and a politician. The Delaware Bay, the Delaware River, and later the U.S. state were all named after him. Even a Native American people are known by the name "Delaware."
Thomas West was a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the English Parliament. He held this position from 1602 until he died in 1618. He was the son of Thomas West, the 2nd Baron De La Warr. He was born in Wherwell, England. He died at sea while traveling to the Colony of Virginia.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Growing Up and Education
As the oldest son, Thomas West went to Queen's College, Oxford for his education. He joined the English army and served under a leader named Robert Devereux. In 1602, he became the Baron De La Warr after his father passed away.
Thomas West's Career and Role in Virginia
Leading the London Company
Lord De La Warr was a major investor in the London Company. This company helped set up colonies in the New World. He helped fund ships and supplies to send settlers to America.
Governor of Virginia Colony
He was chosen to be the governor and captain-general of the Colony of Virginia. This meant he was in charge of the Jamestown settlement. In 1609, the Powhatan tribe attacked the colony. In response, Lord De La Warr gathered 150 men and three ships. He paid for these himself and sailed from England in March 1610.
Health Challenges and Return to England
In 1611, Lord De La Warr became very sick with a disease like malaria. He had to leave the colony to get better. A storm blew his ship off course, and he had to go back to England.
Writing and Public Appearances
Later that year, a book was published that was said to be by De La Warr. It was about the Virginia Colony. In 1616, Lord De La Warr and his wife introduced John Rolfe and Pocahontas to English society. They were visiting London to raise money for the Virginia Company.
Final Voyage and Death
Lord De La Warr remained the official governor of Virginia. In 1618, he sailed back to Virginia to check on things. He died at sea on June 7, 1618. It is thought that he might have been poisoned.
For many years, people believed he was buried in the Azores or at sea. By 2006, researchers thought his body was brought back to Jamestown for burial. In 2017, archaeologists found remains under a church at Historic Jamestowne. They are still working to find out if one of them is Lord De La Warr.
Thomas West's brother, John West, also became a governor of Virginia later on.
Family Life
On November 25, 1596, Thomas West married Cecily Shirley. They had several children:
- Cecily or Cecilia (died 1638)
- Lucy
- Robert
- Henry (1603–1628), who became the 4th Baron De La Warr after his father. He died young, and his son, Charles West, 5th Baron De La Warr, took over the title.
Images for kids
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In Spanish: Thomas West para niños
