Sir Ferdinando Gorges | |
|---|---|
.png) Arms of Gorges (modern): Lozengy or and azure, a chevron gules. These arms resulted from the famous 1347 heraldry case of Warbelton v Gorges | |
| 2nd colonial governor of Maine | |
| In office 1639 – 24 May 1647 | |
| Preceded by | William Gorges |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Gorges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1565-1568 Clerkenwell, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 24 May 1647 (aged 78–82) Ashton Phillips, Somerset, England |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Bell (died 1620); 4 children. Mary Fulford {Mrs Achims (a widow)} Elizabeth Gorges, {Mrs Courteney (a widow)} Elizabeth Gorges {Lady Smyth (a widow)} |
| Profession | Governor, entrepreneur and founder of the Province of Maine |
| Signature |  |
Sir Ferdinando Gorges (c. 1565-1568 – 24 May 1647) was a naval and military commander and governor of the important port of Plymouth in England. He was involved in Essex's Rebellion against the Queen, but escaped punishment by testifying against the main conspirators. His early involvement in English trade with and settlement of North America as well as his efforts in founding the Province of Maine in 1622 earned him the title of the "Father of English Colonization in North America,"[1] even though Gorges himself never set foot in the New World.
- ^ Laughton 1890, p. 241; Christy 1899, p. 683