Raleigh Gilbert (governor)

Raleigh Gilbert (1577–December 30, 1634) was an early colonist of Maine who served as an early council president and governor of Popham Colony, and the captain of Mary and John.

Early life and family

Gilbert was born in Devon, England in 1577, the son of Humphrey Gilbert and half-nephew of Sir Walter Raleigh and Carew Raleigh. His great uncle was Sir Arthur Champernowne and he was a cousin of Sir Richard Grenville.

Gilbert was a member of the prominent Gilberts of Compton. He married Elizabeth Kelley and they had five children.

Popham Colony

In 1607, Gilbert served as admiral of the expedition of 120 colonists that left Plymouth on May 31, 1607, in two ships. Gilbert was the deputy to George Popham, who was the president of the colony and captain of Gift of God. Gilbert was the captain of Mary and John. Ferdinando Gorges described Gilbert as "desirous of supremacy and rule, a loose life, prompt to sensuality, little zeal in religion, humorous, headstrong and of small judgement and experience, [and] other ways valiant enough."

Governor

After Popham's death, Gilbert assumed the role as leader of the colony for six months. In his role as leader of the colony, Gilbert was responsible for maintaining relations with the local Abenaki. Contemporary historians have regarded Gilbert as an ineffective leader of the colony. He provoked an attack by the local Wabanaki chiefs, Canibas and Arosaguntacooks, which resulted in the death of 13 settlers and the burning of storehouses and other buildings.

Return to England

Arms of Gilbert: Argent, on a chevron gules three roses of the field In August 1608, Gilbert inherited a title and land in England following his elder brother Sir John Popham's death, and subsequently returned to England. He led the construction of a ship to facilitate the return voyage, which may have been the first oceangoing vessel built in America. His return to England caused the 45 remaining colonists to return to England as well.

Upon returning to England, Gilbert resided at his ancestral seat, Compton Castle.

Death

Gilbert died on December 30, 1634.