Historical
Information
The"
Earl of Pembroke" was a collier built in Whitby, Yorkshire in 1765.
It was purchased by the Admiralty after being recommended by Captain
Cook as eminently suited for the voyages proposed, and renamed her H.M.
Bark Endeavour. Colliers were the 18th century equivalents of modern
bulk carriers, solidly built with flat bottoms and ample storage, in
fact purpose built to allow ingress in shallow uncharted waters, slow
and sturdy, sea kindly and safe even in rough weathers.
The Endeavour
was used on Captain Cooks first great cicumnavigation of the globe in
1768-71.Accompanied by Joseph Banks and Doctor Daniel Solander over
2,500 new species of plants were discovered. Cook also became the first
captain able to calculate his longitudal position with accuracy using
complex mathematical formulae developed in the early 1760s. Cook was
also famous for feeding his crew boiled cabbage, lemon juice and fresh
greens which wiped out forever the dreaded scurvy caused by lack of
vitamins, something sailors have been grateful for ever since.
Replica
Construction
After
due consideration and the careful study of our site we decided on constructing
the Endeavour to enable children today the unique experience of seeing
life as it was on these primitive ships.
We obtained
a copy of the original draught 1768 from the National Maritime Museum
and commenced construction in sections developed from these drawings
(photographs of the different stages of construction are on display
in the forward fall).
We have
ommitted the hold where all the provisions, water, ammunition etc were
stored. Constucting our ship from the waterline up increased the headroom
between the lower deck and after fall by about 1 foot for you viewing
comfort.
The mess
tables are suspended on ropes allowing them to be lifted up to provide
extra protection for the the crew if attacked, likewise the hammocks,
which incedently were hung at 14 inch centres according to the original
specifications making condition for the 98 men on board somewhat cramped.
We will continue fitting out over the next 12 months including suitable
tableaux in each cabin, masts and rigging up to main mast top, deck
guns, skiff etc.
