Matthew was a caravel sailed by John Cabot in 1497 from Bristol to Newfoundland, North America. There are two modern replicas – one in Bristol, England (built 1994–1996) and one in Bonavista, Newfoundland (built 1997–1998).
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Cabot's original voyages
The captain of Matthew was a Venetian explorer named Zuan or Giovanni Caboto who is better known in England as John Cabot. Following an abortive voyage in 1496, Cabot left again with only one vessel, Matthew, a small ship (50 tons). The crew consisted of only 18 men. The Matthew departed 2 May 1497. He sailed north and west, expecting to reach Asia. However, landfall was reached in North America on 24 June 1497. His precise landing place is a matter of much controversy, with Cape Bonavista or St. John's in Newfoundland the most likely sites. There is a statue of John Cabot located at Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland in his honour.
Cabot went ashore to take possession of the land, and explored the coast for some time, probably departing on 20 July. On the homeward voyage his sailors incorrectly thought they were going too far north, so Cabot sailed a more southerly course, reaching Brittany instead of England. On 6 August he arrived back in Bristol.