Henry the Navigator

Who is Henry the Navigator?

Infante Dom Henrique, known in English as Henry the Navigator, was a Portuguese prince and central figure in the early Age of Discovery. Born in Porto in 1394, he was the third surviving son of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster. Although he did not personally undertake the voyages, he was a key patron and organiser of Portuguese maritime exploration along the west coast of Africa during the 15th century. He sponsored expeditions that reached Madeira, the Azores, and progressively down the African coast past Cape Bojador, advancing navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding, notably the development of the caravel. His patronage laid the groundwork for later Portuguese overseas expansion, including the sea route to India. He was also Grand Master of the Order of Christ, whose resources helped fund his ventures. He died in 1460 at Sagres in the Algarve.

Sources: Peter Russell, 'Prince Henry "the Navigator": A Life' (Yale University Press, 2000) · Gomes Eanes de Zurara, 'Crónica dos Feitos da Guiné' (15th century)