granted a patent to take unknown lands in America, sent settlers to Roanoke Island which they mysteriously deserted a year later, introduced tobacco and potatoes to England and Ireland, beheaded for treason against the Crown. Excessively rare signature: "W Raleigh" on a 1" x 1" section of parchment, mounted to a card which reads: "...[The signature was] Affixed to a Dorset (Sherborne) deed belonging to the Duke of Bedford. Given to Margaret Cross by the Duke of Bedford, 26 January, 1934..." Slight scuffing and soiling, generally very good.