The Poetry of Sir Walter Raleigh: "The world itself is but a large prison, out of which some are daily led to execution."

Sir Walter Raleigh was born on 22 January 1552 (though some claim 1554) at Hayes Barton, East Budleigh, Devon, England. He is perhaps most well known for introducing tobacco into England but his life is one of great intrigue. After taking part in the suppression of various Irish rebellions he took possession of their confiscated lands and rose rapidly to become a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. By 1585 he was knighted. A leader in the English exploitation of North America he gained a Royal Ch...