The Explorers Podcast · Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Facing a fall from grace after marrying without permission and being banished from court, Sir Walter Raleigh devised a plan in 1594 to seek his fortune and redeem himself by finding the legendary city of El Dorado in South America. He aimed to bring back vast wealth for Queen Elizabeth and secure his own financial future.
“And that takes us up to 1594. And Raleigh had a brilliant new plan to get himself back into the good graces of Elizabeth and make himself a lot of money. And this was to head off to South America and find El Dorado, the legendary city of gold.”
“Nothing restored your position with the queen then a heap full of loot.”
“In return, he hoped to make a lot of money for the queen as well and be welcomed back to court. And of course, he would make himself oodles and oodles of cash for future ventures.”