Sir Humphrey Gilbert (c. 1539 -1583) was an English adventurer, explorer, and Member of Parliament. He is thought to have claimed the first land in North America for the British. Gilbert is the half brother of Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1583 Gilbert set sail with 5 ships whose crews were made up of misfits, criminals and pirates. On arriving at the port of St. John's, Newfoundland Gilbert found himself blockaded by the fishing fleet under the organization of the port admiral. Gilbert waved his letters patent about and, in a formal ceremony, took possession of Newfoundland.