James Lancaster

Sir James Lancaster (c. 1554–1618) was an English privateer and pioneer of the East India trade. Raised in Portugal as a merchant, he returned to England in 1587 and fought the Spanish Armada in 1588.

In 1591 he led England's first voyage to the East Indies, reaching Penang; only twenty-five survived the return. After the East India Company was chartered in 1600, he commanded its first fleet to Bantam, where he founded its first factory, and was knighted by James I in 1603.

On that voyage he showed that daily lemon juice prevented scurvy. He remained a chief director of the company until his death.