English sponsorship

Definition

This refers to financial support provided by the English monarchy or private English investors for expeditions and colonies in the New World during the Age of Exploration.

Analogy

It's like a modern-day crowdfunding campaign where people donate money to support an idea or project they believe in. The English monarchy and private investors were essentially "crowdfunding" these explorations and settlements.

Related terms

Jamestown Colony: This was the first permanent English settlement in America, established in Virginia in 1607 with funding from London Company, an example of English sponsorship.

Sir Walter Raleigh: He was an English adventurer who sponsored attempts to establish a colony at Roanoke Island (which failed), marking one of earliest attempts at English colonization.

London Company/Virginia Company: These were joint-stock companies chartered by King James I with purpose of establishing settlements on coast of North America - another instance showcasing 'English Sponsorship'.