Gilbert's 1578 North American Expedition

Timeline

1. c. 1578London · EnglandElizabeth I granted Gilbert a charter authorizing him to found colonies in North America where no other nation's claim existed and to intercept Spanish and Catholic vessels at sea. Gilbert assembled about seven ships and several hundred men, with goals combining colonization and privateering.
2. c. 1578English Channel to North Atlantic · EuropeAfter sailing from Plymouth the fleet encountered fierce storms; several ships were lost or damaged, with heavy losses of supplies and personnel. The harsh sea conditions put the planned North American landing and attacks on Spanish routes in difficulty from the outset.
3. c. 1578North Atlantic · North AtlanticAfter the storms mutiny and disputes over command broke out within the fleet, and some ships returned unauthorised. Gilbert was unable to organize effective landing or raiding operations and was forced to lead the remnants back to England; the 1578 expedition ended in failure, but the colonial charter framework was retained and used again in 1583.