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Hello, in an unmarked grave in the town of Graves-End, in Kent,

Leather remains of a young woman who died there in 1616.

Her name was Aminute, but she's better known today by her nickname Pocohontus,

meaning the naughty child.

Although she died in her early 20s, Pocohontus has become one of the most celebrated figures

of American history.

Born into a tribe of Native Americans in Virginia, she's said to have famously intervened

to save the life of an English colonist.

Later she converted to Christianity and married another settler, a rich tobacco planter.

Her journey across the Atlantic and her appearances in London society caused a sensation, and in

early 17th century England she was a celebrity, I suppose.

Although comparative little is known about her life, Pocohontus has become a foundation

symbol of early America, and inspired numerous books and works of art.

With me to discuss the life and significance of Pocohontus are Susan Castillo, Harriet

Beech's Stowe Emeritus Professor of American Studies at King's College London, Tim Lockley,

Rita in American Studies at the University of Warwick, and Jacqueline Fierciagle, Rita

in American History and Culture at the University of East Anglia.

When it looked, Tim Lockley began with the European settlement of North America.

How advanced was that at the start of the 16th, start of the 17th century, Pocohontus

...