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Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the most famous explorers of Elizabeth I's reign. His courage and good looks made him a favourite of the Queen's, and she rewarded him handsomely. Raleigh was also a scholar and a poet, but he is usually remembered for introducing the essential potato, and tobacco. However, his reckless nature eventually made him unpopular at court. He managed to displease both the Queen and her successor James I, and so found himself a prisoner of the Tower of London – no less than three times. As a gentleman, he was deprived of his liberty, but not his comforts: his family could visit, he grew exotic plants and started his book 'The Historie of the World'. However, on his release, Raleigh angered the King once again. He was charged with treason and executed outside the Palace of Westminster in 1618.