Ralph Lane Colony Timeline

By Braxton_J1
  • 1554

    Lane Born and Served

    Lane, born to Sir Ralph Lane and Maud Parr Lane of Northhampton, attended Oxford University in 1554 and served in the English Parliament in late 1550s and early 1560s.
  • 1563

    Served in court

    By 1563 Lane was serving in Queen Elizabeth I’s court, marking the beginning of a career of service to queen and country.
  • 1569

    Participated in a rebellion

    Lane participated in a force that suppressed a rebellion in Scotland in 1569 where he gained accolades for his military skill.
  • Period: 1570 to 1580

    Developing Plans

    By the late 1570s and early 1580s, he was developing plans and offering his services in helping England struggle with Spain.
  • 1571

    Involved in Maritime Affairs

    By the early 1570s, Lane had involved himself in maritime affairs which included a queen’s commission to seize ships in 1571.

  • Commission to Ireland

    In 1583, Lane received a commission to go to Ireland and direct the construction of forts.

  • Recalled and became commander of colony

    In 1585 the queen recalled Lane from Ireland and he was given command of the colony that Sir Walter Raleigh was organizing to sail to Virginia (Roanoke Island).