Absorbing and beautifully written, this is the fascinating story of the pioneering men and women from the English county of Dorset, many of whom have played key roles in the founding and running of the U.S. and Canada. Such historical figures are included as Sir Walter Raleigh and trade union heroes the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Lesser-known but equally fascinating Dorset pioneers include a Bridport bank clerk who eventually became the head of securities for a Canadian bank, and the Lyme Regis naval hero Admiral Somers who, on his way to rescue Sir Walter Raleigh"s Virginian colonialists, discovered Bermuda. The final chapter is dedicated to a Dorset lass who reached the height of U.S. politics, and of whom Bill Clinton said, "I am here in the office of President of the United States in no small measure because she was there."