Gosnold, << GOZ nohld, >> Bartholomew (?-1607), was an English navigator. In 1602, he explored much of the coast of New England and was the first European known to reach Martha’s Vineyard (see Martha’s Vineyard ). In 1606, Gosnold helped secure grants of American charters for the Virginia companies of London and Plymouth. He belonged to the first governing council of the English colony in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. He died on Aug. 2, 1607.
