Ralph Lane

By 1957397
  • 1550

    English Parliament

    Served in the English Parliament in late 1550s and early 1560s.
  • 1554

    Oxford University

    Attended Oxford University in 1554
  • 1563

    Queen Elizabeth

    By 1563 Ralph Lane was serving Queen Elizabethś court.
  • 1569

    Rebellion in Scotland

    Lane participated in a force that suppressed a rebellion in Scotland, where he gained accolades for his military skill
  • 1570

    Started to Develop Plans

    He was developing plans and offering his services in helping England struggle with Spain.
  • 1570

    Involved in Maritime Affairs

    Lane involved himself in maritime affairs which included a queen’s commission to seize ships in 1571.
  • Commission

    Lane received a commission to go to Ireland and direct the construction of forts.
  • Ships Arrived

    Seven ships with about 600 men under the overall command of Sir Richard Grenville left England.
  • Commander of Colony

    The queen recalled Lane from Ireland and he was given command of the colony.
  • Sir Francis Drake

    A fleet led by Sir Francis Drake left Roanoke carrying the first English colonists back home.
  • Return to Ireland

    Lane was back in Ireland serving as “muster master general” and “clerk of the check of the garrison” and remained in that country for the rest of his life.
  • Became Weak

    Lane’s physical weakness had made him unfit as muster master
  • Ralph Lane´s Death

    Lane died in Dublin, Ireland, in October 1603
  • Served as governor

    Served as governor of the first colony attempted by the English in America