In 1496, Henry VII asked John Cabot to explore further into the unknown world.
Tudor and Stuart monarchs encouraged more trade and exploration into new lands, laying the foundations for an overseas empire.
In the late 1400s, improvements in ship technology meant longer journeys were possible and more ships returned from long journeys.
In 1492, Spanish Christopher Columbus explored the Americas. He hoped to find new routes to India and China, but sailed West, landing in the West Indies.
In 1496, English John Cabot explored Canada. He sailed on behalf of Henry VII, but found no riches and returned home. This marked the start of the British empire.
Early British attempts to find gold and colonise were unsuccessful but they managed to establish bases on the North American East Coast. This meant they could explore further and plunder [steal] riches from Spanish ships and colonies.
Monarchs would grant privateers permission to attack foreign ships and steal from them.
Anything taken had to be shared with the monarch.
Any sailors that did not share with the monarch were known as pirates.
