There were several different reasons for English settlement including:
1) Economic opportunities- North America provided individuals who were poor in England an opportunity to escape poverty. Along with this, in North America there was no rigid social structure. In England at this time, if you were born a peasant you would stay a peasant for your entire life.
2) Religious freedom- Individuals who broke away from the Anglican Church (Church of England) could escape to North America in order to practice their own religion.
3) Pursuit of gold/natural resources- North America was known for having gold and other valuable resources that English citizens desired.
Ultimately, these goals changed over time. This is especially true when the Europeans began growing cash crops like tobacco in the Southern colonies (like Virginia).
