Baron De La Warr, born Thomas West in 1577, was an English nobleman and the first governor of the Virginia Colony. He played a significant role in the early years of the colony, which was established in 1607. His leadership was marked by efforts to improve relations with the local Powhatan Confederacy and to ensure the survival of the settlers during difficult times. In 1610, De La Warr arrived in Virginia with supplies and reinforcements, helping to stabilize the struggling colony. His tenure was characterized by military actions against the indigenous peoples and attempts to establish a more organized settlement. He returned to England in 1611, leaving a lasting impact on the colony's development.