Carew Raleigh

Who is Carew Raleigh?

Sir Carew Raleigh or Ralegh,was an English naval commander and politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1586 and 1622. He was the elder brother of Sir Walter Raleigh,

Raleigh was born in Devon, the son of Walter Raleigh and Catherine Champernowne. He was gentleman of the horse to John Thynne of Longleat for some time before Thynne's death in 1580. In 1578, Raleigh served on the expedition led by his half-brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert. On his marriage he sold his property in Devonshire, and settled at Downton House, near Salisbury. He was Lieutenant of the Isle of Portland from 6 July 1584 until 1625. In 1584 he was elected Member of Parliament for Wiltshire. In 1586, he was on the list of sea-captains drawn up to meet the threat of a Spanish invasion together with his brother Sir Walter and his two elder half-brothers, George and John. Hewas re-elected MP for Wiltshire in 1586. In 1589 he was elected MP for Ludgershall. From 1591 to 1603 he was Vice-Admiral of Dorset. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1601 at Basing House. In 1601 he was elected MP for Fowey and in 1604 he was elected MP for Downton. He was elected MP for Downton again in 1621.