Walter Neale facts for kids

Walter Neale was an English military officer and explorer. He also helped manage early settlements in a part of America called New England. This area later became the state of New Hampshire. He was active from about 1618 to 1639.

Walter Neale: Explorer and Leader

Early Life and Military Career

Walter Neale came from a family that served Queen Elizabeth I. He joined the military and fought in Europe from 1618 until about 1625. These experiences prepared him for his later adventures.

Journey to New England

In 1629, two important men, Sir Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason, hired Walter Neale. Gorges and Mason claimed much of the land north of the Merrimack River. They formed a group called the Laconia Company. Their goal was to explore the land further inland. They hired Neale to lead these explorations. He was also put in charge of Mason's settlements along the Piscataqua River. These settlements were on the coast of what is now New Hampshire.

Exploring New Hampshire

Walter Neale arrived at Piscataqua in 1630. He managed the coastal settlements there. However, he had disagreements about land borders with Thomas Wiggin. Wiggin was in charge of other settlements further up the river. Neale also led trips into the wild lands of New Hampshire. He traveled as far as the White Mountains. His employers hoped he would find a large lake they called the "Lake of the Iroquois." But Neale never found this lake. He returned to England in 1633. The Laconia Company's plan to explore the interior did not succeed.

Later Life and Return to England

In 1634, King Charles I gave Walter Neale a new job in London. He was put in charge of the city's artillery, which included cannons. Soon after, he became a "muster master" for the city's local army, organizing soldiers. He tried to get a military job in the Colony of Virginia, but he did not succeed. His last known job was in 1639. He served as a lieutenant governor in Plymouth, England.