Sir Thomas Gates agreed with the Jamestown settlers to abandon the colony and return to England. He ordered Captain George Yeardley to command his soldiers to guard the town preventing settlers from setting fire to the structures that were evacuated. Lord de la Warr soon arrived bringing supplies to save the struggling colony.
What did Lord Yeardley do to attract settlers to Jamestown?
Yeardley returned to England in 1616 and two years later was appointed Captain General and Lord Governor of Virginia. He arrived back at Jamestown in April 1619 with instructions to transform the colony from a military regime to a civil society in an effort to attract more settlers.
Did Sir George Yeardley die at Jamestown?
Established in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent British colony in America. But it nearly didn't survive. The fact it did, is due in large part to Sir George Yeardley, a military man, social reformer - and one of the first English slaveholders in the colonies. Archaeologists now think they've discovered his remains.
What did John Yeardley do in the Virginia General Assembly?
Yeardley led the first representative Virginia General Assembly, the legislative House of Burgesses, to meet on American soil. It convened at the church in Jamestown on July 30, 1619. One of the first acts of this representative body was to set the price of tobacco.
What did Sir George Yeardley do?
Sir George Yeardley (1587–1627) was a planter and colonial governor of the colony of Virginia. He was also among the first slaveowners in Colonial America.
Who is Yeardley in Jamestown?
Yeardley was appointed lord governor of Virginia in the fall of 1618 following news of the unexpected death of the incumbent governor, Lord De La Warr, at sea on his way back to the colony. To bolster his social standing, Yeardley was knighted by the king and sailed back to Virginia in early 1619.
Who was the first governor in Jamestown?
–1622), was the governor of Jamestown, in the English colony of Virginia (now the Commonwealth of Virginia, part of the United States of America)....Thomas Gates (governor)Sir Thomas GatesDied1622 NetherlandsKnown forColonial governor of VirginiaSignature3 more rows
What helped settle the Jamestown colony?
In 1612, John Rolfe, one of many shipwrecked on Bermuda, helped turn the settlement into a profitable venture. He introduced a new strain of tobacco from seeds he brought from elsewhere. Tobacco became the long awaited cash crop for the Virginia Company, who wanted to make money off their investment in Jamestown.
Who helped the colony of Jamestown?
John SmithIn May 1607, about 100 English colonists settled along the James River in Virginia to found Jamestown. The settlers fared badly because of famine, disease, and Indian attacks, but were aided by the 27-year-old John Smith, who directed survival efforts and mapped the area.
Who was the leader of Jamestown?
cartographer John SmithExplorer, writer, and cartographer John Smith became the leader of the Jamestown settlement when he assumed the presidency of its governing council on September 10, 1608.
Who Saved Jamestown colony with cash crop tobacco?
John RolfeJohn Rolfe (1585-1622) was an early settler of North America known for being the first person to cultivate tobacco in Virginia and for marrying Pocahontas. Rolfe arrived in Jamestown in 1610 with 150 other settlers as part of a new charter organized by the Virginia Company.
Who founded Jamestown and why?
The Virginia Company of England made a daring proposition: sail to the new, mysterious land, which they called Virginia in honor of Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, and begin a settlement. They established Jamestown, Virginia, on May 14, 1607, the first permanent British settlement in North America.
What famous leader helped the colony to survive its early years?
John SmithVirginians know that Captain John Smith was vital to the survival of Jamestown in its early years.
What are 3 facts about Jamestown?
10 Things You May Not Know About the Jamestown ColonyThe original settlers were all men. ... Drinking water likely played a role in the early decimation of the settlement. ... Bodies were buried in unmarked graves to conceal the colony's decline in manpower. ... The settlers resorted to cannibalism during the “starving time.”More items...•
Who first settled in Jamestown?
On May 13, 1607 three English ships the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery with approximately 144 settlers and sailors, will land and plant the first permanent English colony in North America. Established by the Virginia Company of London this settlement would be called Jamestown, after king James I.
Who survived Jamestown?
Over the course of the voyage, dozens died. But 104 colonists — many gentlemen of privilege, but also artisans, craftsmen, and laborers — survived to reach the shores of Virginia.
Who was the first governor of the colony?
The first permanent settlement was the Plymouth Colony (1620), and the second major settlement was the Massachusetts Bay Colony at Salem in 1629....Wessagusset Colony: 1622–1623.GovernorTook officeLeft officeRichard GreeneApril 1622died c. October 1622John Sandersc. October 1622March 16231 more row
Who was the first governor of Virginia?
PATRICK HENRYThe son of a Virginia planter in Hanover County and speaker of the immortal words “Give me liberty, or give me death!” PATRICK HENRY served as the first governor of Virginia after independence from England was declared.
Who was the governor of Jamestown in 1619?
Sir George Yeardley1588–1627) Sir George Yeardley served as deputy governor (1616–1617), governor (1619–1621), and royal governor (1626–1627) of the Virginia colony.
Who was Virginia's first royal governor?
Sir Francis Wyatt was the first governor appointed by the king in 1624, and he served for two years.
Where is Sir George Yeardley's grave?
The grave is located in what was the middle aisle of one of the first churches at Jamestown. Another church was built on top but the position indicates a high status burial.
When did Yeardley return to England?
Yeardley returned to England in 1616 and two years later was appointed Captain General and Lord Governor of Virginia. He arrived back at Jamestown in April 1619 with instructions to transform the colony from a military regime to a civil society in an effort to attract more settlers. "The Virginia Company (which controlled the colony) ...
How old was Yeardley when he died?
Ground-penetrating radar confirmed the presence of a skeleton of the right age and build for Yeardley who died in 1627 aged about 40 . DNA taken from teeth and bones and matched against his known living descendants will help confirm - or disprove his identity.
What was the first colony in America?
Established in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent British colony in America. But it nearly didn't survive. The fact it did, is due in large part to Sir George Yeardley, a military man, social reformer - and one of the first English slaveholders in the colonies. Archaeologists now think they've discovered his remains.
How many people survived the winter of 1609?
Barely 60 people survived the winter of 1609 at Jamestown. Hundreds had died of starvation or were picked off by Powhatan Indians if they ventured beyond the walls of the settlement. By the time relief arrived in 1610, conditions were so dire that some of the settlers had resorted to cannibalism.
What is historic Jamestown?
"But American society begins here at Jamestown. This is the place where private property was established and the rule of law and representative government. All those things were critical to the future of early America, and tragically, the development of slavery in this country.
When was the tombstone discovered in Jamestown?
It is one of hundreds of graves of early colonists but a monumental tombstone, discovered in the early 1900s, and other records directed archaeologists from Jamestown Rediscovery to this particular site.
What was the name of the plantation that George Yeardley patented?
It is often assumed that Yeardley named this plantation "Flowerdew Hundred" after his wife, as a kind of romantic tribute. However, the land appears to have been in use by Stanley Flowerdew, Yeardley's brother-in-law, before it was patented by Yeardley. Although George Yeardley acquired the thousand acres that he named Flowerdew Hundred in 1619, it seems very likely that some settlement had begun there before that date, for his brother-in-law Stanley Flowerdew took a shipment of tobacco to England in the same year, probably grown on the same property. With a population of about thirty, Flowerdew Hundred Plantation was economically successful with thousands of pounds of tobacco produced along with corn, fish and livestock. In 1621 Yeardley paid 120 pounds (possibly a hogshead of tobacco) to build the first windmill in British America. The windmill was an English post design and was transferred by deed in the property’s 1624 sale to Abraham Piersey, a Cape Merchant of the London Company. The plantation survived the 1622 onslaught of Powhatan Indians, losing only six people. so the plantation may have been associated with the Flowerdew name before Yeardley's patent. Note that Yeardley named his Mulberry Island plantation "Stanley Hundred", undoubtedly after his Stanley in-laws. In other words, both of Yeardley's plantations were named in honor of his wealthy in-laws. Clearly, the Yeardley-Flowerdew alliance was as much to do with power politics and social status as with romance.
Where is Sir George Yeardley buried?
On July 24, 2018, archaeologists from Jamestown Rediscovery and the Smithsonian Institution announced the discovery of a prominent burial around 400 years old in an important spot within the church. Ground-penetrating radar confirmed the presence of a skeleton of the right age and build for Yeardley who died in 1627 aged about 40. They believe the remains could be those of Yeardley; attributing to the way the body was laid out, the prominent location within the church, and the approximate age the person was when they died. Another church was built on top but the position indicates a high status burial. Although the head is missing, 10 teeth have been found and tests are being carried out by the FBI and archaeologist and geneticist Turi King, who helped identify the remains of Richard III in 2012. King is working on the team and will assist in tracking down Yeardley relatives to compare DNA found in the remains. The results could take several months but should be available in time for 2019's 400th Anniversary of Sir George Yeardley's Great Reforms and the first General Assembly which introduced them.
What nationality was George Yeardley?
Nationality. English. Spouse (s) Temperance Flowerdew. Occupation. Planter. Sir George Yeardley (1587–1627) was a planter and colonial governor of the colony of Virginia. He was also among the first slaveowners in Colonial America. A survivor of the Virginia Company of London 's ill-fated Third Supply Mission, whose flagship, the Sea Venture, ...
What was the name of the ship that was sailed from England to Jamestown?
Yeardley set sail from England on June 1, 1609, with the newly appointed Sir Thomas Gates aboard the Sea Venture, the flagship of the ill-fated Third Supply expedition to Jamestown. After eight weeks at sea, and seven days from expected landfall, the convoy ran into a tropical storm and the Sea Venture was shipwrecked in the Bermudas. Fortunately, everyone survived the storm. Despite numerous problems, including civil unrest among the former passengers resulting in Gates declaring martial law, two small ships were built within 10 months. The two ships, the 70–80 ton Deliverance and the 30 ton pinnace Patience, arrived at Jamestown on May 23, 1610.
How did the settlers of Jamestown die?
The shipwreck survivors found the colonists of Jamestown in desperate condition. Most of the settlers had died from sickness or starvation or had been killed by Indians. Sir Thomas Gates agreed with the Jamestown settlers to abandon the colony and return to England. He ordered Captain Yeardley to command his soldiers to guard the town preventing settlers from setting fire to the structures that were evacuated. Lord de la Warr soon arrived bringing supplies to save the struggling colony. Captain Yeardley was co-commander of the early Forts Henry and Charles at Kecoughtan. In October 1610, Lord De La Warr ordered Captain Yeardley and Captain Edward Brewster to lead 150 men into the mountains in search of silver and gold mines.
Why was the Flowerdew Hundred named Flowerdew Hundred?
It is often assumed that Yeardley named this plantation "Flowerdew Hundred" after his wife, as a kind of romantic tribute. However, the land appears to have been in use by Stanley Flowerdew, Yeardley's brother-in-law, before it was patented by Yeardley.
Why was Mulberry Island named Stanley Hundred?
Note that Yeardley named his Mulberry Island plantation "Stanley Hundred", undoubtedly after his Stanley in-laws. In other words, both of Yeardley's plantations were named in honor of his wealthy in-laws. Clearly, the Yeardley-Flowerdew alliance was as much to do with power politics and social status as with romance.
How did Yeardley return to Jamestown?
Yeardley returns to Jamestown after nine years of absent. Back in the day, he was part of an expedition beyond the waterfalls. The men tried to bribe the Powhatan, Pamunkey and Chickahominy to tell them where they could find the gold, but the Indians claim there was none. During those years abroad, Yeardley handled to befriend King James, be knighted by the King himself and be nominated governor of Virginia. Secretary Farlow confides to Samuel Castell that how did Yeardley manage to rise so high in such a short amount of time remains an enigma.
Who is George Yeardley?
Sir George Yeardley is the new governor of Virginia, appointed and knighted by King James of England. He arrived at Jamestown in 1619, alongside his wife, Temperance Yeardley, and the first maids to make wives. He lives a comfortable life in Jamestown and has amassed vast lands across Virginia, but his feud with Jocelyn Castell and Silas Sharrow adopting the Pamunkey way of life have dented his confidence. Wary of Opechancanough and suspicious of his own subjects, paranoia begins to take hold. As Yeardley becomes preoccupied with petty jealousies, he leaves himself ripe for exploitation.
What does Yeardley say about Jocelyn?
Jocelyn is summoned by Yeardley. She asks about Willmus Crabtree. Yeardley says he has sent scouts after him and his corpse is to arrive to Jamestown at any moment. Temperance Yeardley overhears their conversation. Yeardley says Jocelyn must show to Jamestown she was defeated: she must courtesy everything she approaches him. He forces her to bow and she reluctantly obeys. At the woods, Redwick stubbles upon Verity Rutter looking at the sacrificial Pamunkey rock. Verity tells she has seen Opechancanough there. Redwick tells her the rock is sacred to the Pamunkey. The marshal and Yeardley mock the Pamunkey beliefs and promise they will be crushed. Yeardley orders the soldiers to destroy the rock. In the morning, Yeardley watches as Jocelyn is eating the candy outside her house with a pleased smile. Henry tells him that Opechancanough has changed his name to Mangopeesomon and it can be a war name so the governor should investigate. Yeardley, however, dismisses the idea because the Pamunkey have been defeated by trade and assimilation. Henry tells Yeardley the Pamunkey are a proud nation and warns him about his arrogance. The governor crosses paths with Jocelyn and recalls her she’s to bow. Jocelyn tells him about the candy, implying it was Willmus’ doing. The bells ring and the townsfolk gathers. Yeardley says they have received reports from Crabtree’s death and has asked for his body to be sent back to Jamestown so they might give him a proper burial. When the governor opens the coffin, however, it’s filled with pigs’ tongues, the mark of a liar. Redwick calls for Yeardley to go to the garrison. Willmus has reappeared in his prison cell. Willmus reveals himself a king’s man and says he has send word to King James about what he saw on Jamestown. He says a new governor has already left England. Jocelyn laughs and Yeardley leaves the garrison humiliated. Yeardley gathers the townsfolk to informs he’s no longer the Governor of Virginia and a new governor has already set sail from England. Yeardley survives the Pamunkey attack.
What does Chacrow want from Yeardley?
Chacrow kills the wolf that has been slaughtering livestock around Jamestown and gifts its head to Yeardley. In return, he wants gunpowder. But the governor prefers to offer him a pair of boots instead. He shares with Temperance Yeardley his hopes of having such a respected Pamunkey warrior baptized and taking a Christian name. He wants Temperance to persuade Chacrow. Yeardley shows Chacrow’s gift to Silas Sharrow. The governor reveals he doesn’t believe that Chacrow is in Jamestown to serve him. Thomas Redwick is certain that Chacrow is in the settlement to be Opechancanough’s eyes and ears. The governor says Chacrow wants to learn the secret of gunpowder. Redwick laughs because the Pamunkey plant the gunpowder on the ground, believing they can grow it. Yeardley orders Silas to feed Chacrow’s love of gunpowder by showing him how the English make it and promising learning. The governor wants Silas to be the one who takes Chacrow away from Opechancanough or they’ll take away the Sharrow lands. Redwick tells Yeardley the danger is Crabtree returning to England and therefore he must never board a ship. The governor says he might still send secret reports to the Virginia Company and if he dies the Company would send more agents to search their every dealing. Redwick recalls Willmus is impersonating a factor and therefore he can be treated as a factor and arrested. Yeardley agrees with the imprisonment so he might send a more favorable report back to England. Yeardley invites Christopher Priestley to his office for him to sign as a witness on his will. The doctor insists on reading it and discovers that the governor bequeaths Maria and Pedro to his children. Christopher is against it.
What is Yeardley looking for in the grave?
One night, Yeardley is digging up Lord De La Waar’s grave in search for the Portuguese map for the gold mines of Virginia. He finds it but before he can finish closing the grave, Christopher Priestley appears and he’s forced to run away. The next morning, Yeardley gathers with Samuel Castell, Secretary Farlow, Redwick and Reverend Whitaker and falsely wonders who would dig up a man’s grave to discover such map at this point. The next day, Yeardley asks James Read to repair his horse’s shoe. The blacksmith refuses, and out of anger for being refused to wed Alice Kett, gets into a fight with Yeardley, leaving him bleeding. James Read is taken before the court and Redwick sentences him to hang until the dead for rebellion against authority. While Read is dragged to the gallows, Silas Sharrow tries to convince the governor to change his mind, but Yeardley refuses. The wood is kicked but the rope is too long and James doesn’t die. Alice quickly speaks with Governor Yeardley about Read’s value to Jamestown for they do need a blacksmith. The governor eventually agrees to pardon Read as long as he remains obedient. The noose is removed from his neck. That night, Yeardley opens a black box and observes the gold map that he stole from De La Waar’s grave.
What does Yeardley inform the Assembly about?
Yeardley informs the Assembly about a Spanish spy in Jamestown.
Where did Yeardley and his party sail?
Yeardley and his party set sail towards the Pamunkey village to return Chacrow.
Overview
Jamestown
The shipwreck survivors found the colonists of Jamestown in desperate condition. Most of the settlers had died from sickness or starvation or had been killed by Indians. Sir Thomas Gates agreed with the Jamestown settlers to abandon the colony and return to England. He ordered Captain Yeardley to command his soldiers to guard the town preventing settlers from setting fire to the structures that were evacuated. Lord de la Warr soon arrived bringing supplies to save the …
Early life
Yeardley was baptized on July 28, 1588, in St. Saviour's Parish, Southwark, Surrey. He was the son of Ralph Yeardley (1549–1604), a London merchant-tailor, and Rhoda Marston (died 1603). He chose not to follow his father into trade, but instead became a soldier and joined a company of English foot-soldiers to fight the Spanish in the Netherlands. As captain of a personal bodyguard, he was selected to serve Sir Thomas Gates during his term as Governor of Virginia.
Shipwreck
Yeardley set sail from England on June 1, 1609, with the newly appointed Sir Thomas Gates aboard the Sea Venture, the flagship of the ill-fated Third Supply expedition to Jamestown. After eight weeks at sea, and seven days from expected landfall, the convoy ran into a tropical storm and the Sea Venture was shipwrecked in the Bermudas. Fortunately, everyone survived the storm. Despite numerous problems, including civil unrest among the former passengers resulting in Gates decl…
Political career in the New World
In 1616 Yeardley was designated Deputy-Governor of Virginia. One of his first accomplishments was to come to an agreement with the Chickahominy Indians that secured food and peace for two years. He served from 1616 to 1617.
During November 1618, Sir George was appointed to serve three years as governor of Virginia, and was knighted by James I during an audience at Newmarket on 24 November.
Family
On 18 October 1618, Yeardley married Temperance Flowerdew, daughter of Anthony Flowerdew of Hethersett, Norfolk, and wife Martha Stanley of Scottow, Norfolk. A month later he was appointed to serve three years as governor of Virginia, and was knighted by James I during an audience at Newmarket on 24 November. This is the date commonly ascribed to the wedding; however, their children were born prior to 1618. While out-of-wedlock children occurred in early Jamestown, it …
Death and legacy
Yeardley died on November 13, 1627. He is buried in Third Jamestown Church at Jamestown, Virginia. His widow, Temperance Flowerdew married Governor Francis West. Their son, Argoll Yeardley would represent Lower Norfolk county in the House of Burgesses in 1653, shortly before his death. Argoll Yeardly had married Ann Custis, who brought her brothers John Custis II and William Custis to the colony, where they became planters, served in the House of Burgesses, an…
Sources
• Deetz, James,Flowerdew Hundred: the Archaeology of a Virginia Plantation 1619-186. (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1993).
• Hatch, Charles E., The First Seventeen Years: Virginia, 1607–1624 (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1957).
• Dorman, J.F., ed., Adventures of Purse and Person, Virginia 1607-1624/5 (Alexandria: Order of First Families of Virginia, 1987).