Gilbert, Sir Humphrey
Gilbert, Sir Humphrey (c.1537–83). A half-brother of Ralegh, Gilbert was able to get official support for his interests in overseas activities. In the 1560s, he began to argue against England's current interest in the North-East Passage, recommending in a treatise circulated then, although not published until 1576, the merits of the North-West route to Cathay. After service in Ireland, and as an MP, he was knighted and began practical expeditions with a patent from the queen to plant colonies in North America. A venture in concert with Ralegh in 1578–9 apparently failed, but in 1583 Gilbert annexed Newfoundland, though no settlers were left. He and his ship were lost on the return voyage. His treatise was an important influence on the long English obsession with the North-West Passage.
Roy C. Bridges