Sir Walter Raleigh. Engraving of English explorer, courtier and author Sir Walter Raleigh (1552- 1618), whose treasure-seeking expeditions to the Americas brought the potato and tobacco to Europe. Raleigh was a prime favourite of Queen Elizabeth I until she discovered his secret affair with one of the Queen's maids-of-honour. Subsequent poor relations with the Queen's successor, James I, led to Raleigh's imprisonment for treason in 1603. In 1616 he was released from the Tower of London to lead a gold-seeking expedition to South America. The trip was a disastrous failure and Raleigh was beheaded on his return under the former charge of treason. Engraving published between 1833-1837.