De La Warr, Lord (1577-1618), became the first governor of the Virginia colony. He was also known as Lord Delaware. The Delaware River, Delaware Bay, the colony of Delaware, and the state of Delaware were named for him. De La Warr arrived with supplies at Jamestown, Virginia, in June 1610, in time to prevent the discouraged settlers from deserting the colony. He returned to England in 1611. As governor he was harsh and strict, but he succeeded in bringing order to the colony. He became a member of the Privy Council of Queen Elizabeth I.
De La Warr was born on July 9, 1577, probably at Wherwell, England, near Winchester. His given and family name was Thomas West. He died on June 7, 1618.
