Biographies of the New World by Britannica Educational Publishing

Author:Britannica Educational Publishing
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Britannica Educational Publishing
Published: 2013-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

EARLY LIFE

Raleigh was born at Hayes Barton, Devonshire, in about 1554. In 1569 he went to France, where he fought on the side of the Huguenots (or French Protestants) in that country’s wars of religion. He later attended Oriel College, Oxford, and Middle Temple, a law school in London. In 1580 his participation in the suppression of the Irish rebellion in Munster attracted attention, and soon afterward he was introduced at court, where he became a favorite of Elizabeth I. A famous story about Raleigh tells how he won the queen’s favor by placing his velvet cloak over a muddy spot in her path so that she could walk over it without soiling her shoes.

Raleigh’s tall and handsome figure, his dark hair, lofty forehead, resolute bearing, courtly manners, and spirited wit all combined to form an imposing personality. But he could also be haughty, and because his pride and impatience made him many enemies he was never fully admitted to the queen’s counsels in matters of state. The playful name of Water that she applied to him would indicate that she recognized the instability of character that was his great fault and that in the end brought about his ruin. Elizabeth, however, lavished numerous favors upon him throughout her reign. He was awarded large properties in Ireland and in 1585 was knighted. In return he discharged with conspicuous ability the responsibilities of several important positions to which she appointed him.

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