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The only lasting gain from this first attempted settlement by the English in North America was the introduction of potatoes and tobacco into England.

The only lasting gain from this first attempted settlement by the English in North America was the introduction of potatoes and tobacco into England.

His star began to wane. The Earl of Essx was beginning to monopolise the Queens favour, and Raleigh's affair with one of her maids-of-honour caused disgrace. A failed expedition in 1596 up the Orinoco River in South America to find the fabled El Dorado, and domestic politics damaged his reputation, and upon the accession of Charles I in 1603 he was arrested. It was as much a sop to the Spaniards as any perceived wrong-doing on his part that he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.  

His star began to wane. The Earl of Essex was beginning to monopolise the Queen's favour, and Raleigh's affair with one of her maids-of-honour caused disgrace. A failed expedition up the Orinoco River in South America in 1596 to find the fabled El Dorado, and domestic politics damaged his reputation, and upon the accession of Charles I in 1603 he was arrested. It was as much a sop to the Spaniards as any perceived wrong-doing on his part that he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.  

Apart from a second attempt to find El Dorado in 1617 he spent his last 15 years imprisoned in the Tower of London. He wrote poetry, mostly lost but some in print today, and wrote the first volume of his "History of the World". His second El Dorado expedition had caused further anger in Spain with the burning of the settlement of San Tomas; and at the insistence of the Spanish ambassador he was beheaded on 29 October 1618.His last words, according to many biographers, were "Strike man, strike!" urging his executioner to decapitate him.  

Apart from a second attempt to find El Dorado in 1617 he spent his last 15 years imprisoned in the Tower of London. He wrote poetry, mostly lost but some in print today, and wrote the first volume of his "History of the World". His second El Dorado expedition had caused further anger in Spain with the burning of the settlement of San Tomas; and at the insistence of the Spanish ambassador he was beheaded on 29 October 1618. His last words, according to many biographers, were "Strike man, strike!" urging his executioner to decapitate him.  

   

   

In later years he often spelt his name "Rauley", which gives some indication of its pronunciation.

In later years he often spelt his name "Rauley", which gives some indication of its pronunciation.