|
Written by Paul Jameson
|
|
Thursday, 22 September 2005 |
Captain James Cook is arguably this country's most famous explorer. His expedition to Australia in the Endeavor is known and taught in schools everywhere.
James Cook was born in Marton, now a suburb of Middlesbrough, on 27th October 1728. As a boy he lived at the foot of Roseberry Topping in Aireyholme Farm, going to school at nearby Great Ayton.
As a young man, James Cook worked for a Whitby shipowner who shipped coal from the River Tyne to London. It was here that James learned his trade and basic seamanship skills. After this, at the age of 27, he joined the Navy, gaining himself a very good reputation for his chart making skills.
This reputation led to him being asked in 1769 to take charge of the ship HM Bark Endeavor. This he did and the expedition took him to Tahiti, New Zealand and, most famously, Australia, where he named the territory of New South Wales.
In 1771 and on his return from this expedition, Cook was promoted to Captain and a year later led an expedition that took him farther south than any other person had ever been before.
Cooks final expedition started when he left England on 25th June 1776. It was this voyage that spelled the end for Cook. Cook this time led the voyage from The Resolution, although his more famous ship, The Endeavor, accompanied him.
After discovering Hawaii and the Cook Inlet of Alaska, the details of Cooks death is not 100% certain. However, it is known that Cook returned to Hawaii to stop for provisions and during a disagreement between the locals of the island and members of Cooks crew, he somehow met his death on 14th February 1779.
Today, Captain James Cook's life is marked in his home town of Marton, Middlesbrough. Captain Cook's Birthplace Museum has a number of displays and artefacts connected with Cook and his life. It makes for an interesting and informative attraction for children and adults alike and is built in the excellent surroundings of Stewart park. A Granite Vase from Point Hicks, Australia stands close to the museum, marking the site of the cottage where Cook was born.
|
Home 
People 
