Roanoke Colonies Research Newsletter
Volume 4.1 (November 1996)

Raleigh Trial Documents Found
by Dwain Teague, East Carolina University

Recent findings in an Oxford University library are raising questions as to the loyalty of Sir Walter Raleigh to Britain. Untouched for 250 years in Oxford's Bodleian Library, the documents are the original prosecution case against Raleigh. The documents were discovered by Cambridge University archivist Mark Nicholls as he researched another legal case. According to Nicholls, who is cited in a Raleigh, North Carolina, News and Observer article ("Musty Records Sully Our Legend," 5 July 1996: A1+), "This sheds light on the key mystery of his later years, why he was arrested for treason."

Raleigh was beheaded in 1618 for treason. The documents provide evidence that Raleigh plotted to be a spy for Spain, mortal enemy of Britain, and to assist the Spanish with their invasion of Britain in exchange for a pension. These findings shed new light on the life of Raleigh as he has been portrayed in biographies, articles, plays, and movies over the past four centuries.

The annual production of Paul Green's The Lost Colony in Manteo, North Carolina, brings thousands to the Outer Banks to see how Raleigh influenced the early settlers. While most North Carolinians are unaware of the dark side of Raleigh's past, most Brits are more knowledgeable. "The British are completely aware that Sir Walter Raleigh was a less than pristine figure and they're really surprised when they come over here and realize we've built him up as a hero," said Eric Hause of the Roanoke Historical Society, the play's producer, in the News and Observer. Hause said that the society may rewrite the script to more accurately reflect the real lives of Raleigh and other historical figures.

Many may wonder why, over hundreds of years, Raleigh's guilt was never made common knowledge. During his trial, Raleigh used his charm and wit in a fervent attempt to save his own life. He gained complete control over the prosecution, which somehow resulted in his never actually testifying, thus keeping a great deal of incriminating evidence hidden. According to Nicholls, the prosecution's failed attempt to compete with Raleigh's performances "turned Raleigh-literally overnight-from villain into hero." Despite his courtroom antics, a jury convicted Raleigh in 1603.

Raleigh's conviction ultimately led to his execution. In keeping with the personality that temporarily saved his life, Raleigh approached the chopping block, declined a blindfold, tested the ax's edge and remarked, "This is a fair sharp medicine to cure me of all diseases and miseries." Images such as this will keep Sir Walter Raleigh in good stead with historians around the world, despite the truth which is now known.

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