The Explorers Podcast · Wednesday, September 9, 2026
In 1594, Walter Raleigh's exploratory expedition, led by Jacob Whiddon, arrived in Trinidad. Whiddon's attempts to inquire about El Dorado were rebuffed by Governor Antonio de Berrio, who even had local natives ambush an English shore party. Whiddon later returned to England with tales of gold and cities, bolstering Raleigh's interest.
“That is when an English ship arrived in Trinidad, and it was Raleigh's exploratory expedition to the area, led by Jacob Whiddon.”
“Whiddon had been friendly with the English at first, but then they started asking about El Dorado. He shut that down fast and told them to go away.”
“There he told Raleigh's stories of gold, precious stones in great cities. He also said that Trinidad was the perfect place to mount an expedition to Guiana and search for El Dorado.”