This English Courtier, explorer, poet, historian was sentenced to death in 1603 for treason against King James I.

He was reprieved but not pardoned at the last moment. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He wrote his History of the World. This unfinished work appeared in 1614, while he was still in prison.

He was released on parole in 1616 to lead an expedition to find gold in South America. He had to return empty handed after his men clashed with the Spanish troops.

On his return to London he was arrested again on the earlier treason charges. He was executed in 1618.