Francis Wyatt

Sir Francis Wyatt (1588–1644) was an English nobleman, knight, politician, and government official. He was the first English royal governor of Virginia. He sailed for America on 1 August 1621 on board the George. He became governor shortly after his arrival in October, taking with him the first written constitution for an English colony. Also sailing with him on this voyage was his second cousin Henry Fleete Sr., who helped found colonies in both Virginia and Maryland. In 1622 he rallied the defence of Jamestown which was attacked by Native Americans, during which the lives of some 400 settlers were lost and he then oversaw the contraction of the colony from scattered outposts into a defensive core.

For the English cricketer, see Francis Wyatt (cricketer).

Sir
Francis Wyatt
Governor of Virginia
In office
November 1621 – 18 September 1625
Appointed byJames I
Preceded bySir George Yeardley
Succeeded bySir George Yeardley
In office
November 1639 – February 1641
Appointed byCharles I
Preceded byJohn Harvey
Succeeded byWilliam Berkeley
Personal details
Born1588
Died1644
NationalityEnglish
OccupationPlanter
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