Navigator and Explorer, (aka Giovanni Caboto )

 

In Bristol you can see a replica of John Cabot's ship, The Matthew and enjoy stunning views across the City from Cabot Tower.

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The son of a spice merchant, John Cabot was born in the port of Genoa, Italy.

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Cabot was the second after Christopher Columbus in 1492 to find North America, The New World.

 

He is famous for having explored the coastline of, and then colonising Canada.

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Cabot and his family moved to the important and west facing port of Bristol. Giving him a perfect base from which to plan and launch his expeditions.

 

With its long history of ship building, there were many experienced sailors and seafarers in the area.

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On March 5th, 1496. King Henry Vll Granted the right for Cabot to seek new Countries and Islands. Aboard his ship The Matthew, he reached the New World on June 9th, 1497.

 

On June 26th he set sail for Bristol.

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The cause and date of Cabot’s death are uncertain. However it is thought that he was in Bristol and claiming his pension until 1499