The New World First Settlers Memorial (left) is the only old bit left of Virginia Quay in Blackwall on the east side of Docklands. It marks the spot where the first colonists set sail for America in 1606. It was also from here that Pocahontas last set foot on English soil 11 years later. The native American princess, married to settler John Rolfe of Heacham in Norfolk, had been on a visit to England with 11 other native Americans, meeting King James I. Alas, she did not make it home. She and Rolfe, together with their son Thomas, had just set sail down the Thames when she fell ill, possibly of pneumonia, and died. There is no sign of her grave in St George's church in Gravesend where she was buried, though a statue in the grounds has been erected (above right).Many Virginians claim to be descended from Thomas Rolfe. But there is no memorial to Pocahontas, one of North America's best known figures, in London.
There is more about Pocahontas in london here.
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