Born c. 1476,
Venice, Italy
Died 1557,
London, England

The urge to travel and pursue adventure in strange lands came to Sebastian Cabot quite naturally. Born in Venice, Italy, in 1476, he was the son of Giovanni Caboto, better known as John Cabot (see entry), the famous explorer. When Sebastian was a young boy, he accompanied his father to England. He was also present when the elder Cabot sailed west from Bristol, England, in 1497. Although he was probably seeking the riches of the Far East, John Cabot instead landed on the North American coast. England’s claims to North America were based on this voyage.

After John Cabot’s second expedition was lost at sea, King Henry VII of England granted Sebastian an annual income in recognition of his father’s services. Sebastian Cabot went on to serve two rival countries, exploring the coast of North...