In the 16th century, while Spain and Portugal colonised
Africa and the Americas, English explorers set their sights
on new routes to China. Margaret Small follows in the
footsteps of adventurers whose discoveries paved the
way for international trade – and a global empire
THE PIONEERS
WHO BLAZED
THE TRAIL
FOR EMPIRE
GE
TT
Y^ I
MA
GE
S
Sir Hugh Willoughby’s expedition in the
Arctic in 1553. Though unsuccessful, it
paved the way for missions eastward
during Elizabeth’s reign