Sir Walter Raleigh was executed 400 hundred years ago. Visionary explorer, passionate lover, flawed politician, and poet.
Perhaps he represented England at the dawn of the 17th century — history may be equipped for such a judgement. But how did he think of himself? And does his position in history offer any insight on Britain today, as it negotiates a place in the world amid a cloak-and-dagger rebranding bid.
What does the sum of us weigh after Empire has burnt away? And what will we see once the smoke has cleared?
Peter Spafford is a poet, playwright, musician and one-third of Schwa. Dave Bowie Jr has played in many different musical ensembles, including Martha and the Vandellas, William Bell, and The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
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