Now pay attention while I tell you a story about my favourite 'Bark'
Earl of Pembroke - painting by Thomas Lundy
It all began in 1768 when the collier the Earl of Pembroke left Whitby harbour in the North East of England. Later that year the ship was renamed the HM Bark Endeavour and under the command of Captain Cook it set out on its world famous voyage to Australia so that Cook could witness the transit of Venus.
In 1770 the ship was damaged in bad weather and was forced to stay for 7 weeks for repairs off the coast of what today is the territory of Queensland near the mouth of a river. When Cook left he gave the river the name Endeavour; the town that grew up there later became Cooktown.
Cooktown has held a Captain Cook 1770 Festival annually for 18 years. this years event is scheduled for 21-22 May.
Replica of HM Bark Endeavour in Cooktown harbour
Photo by John Hill
The Australia replica sailed the Cook's route back to Whitby in 2007. It has been berthed at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney:
By Saberwyn (CC-ASA 3.0 License)
The Endeavour replica is due to circumnavigate Australia in 2011-12.
Back at Whitby another replica of the Endeavour gives tourists trips out into the North Sea.
HM Bark Endeavour approaches Whitby
Endeavour replica in Whitby harbour.
Meanwhile Stockton-on-Tees has a full size replica of the Endeavour tied up at the riverside in the town.
This trip around the world with my favourite 'Bark' has tired us out so I'll leave it to Bernard to bring it to an end.
[Both dogs where photographed at Whitby in 2008]
Endeavour to check out more at: Sepia Saturday 63
