James Cook

James Cook was a British explorer, cartographer, navigator, as well as the captain in the Royal Navy who made detailed maps of Newfoundland prior to making 3 voyages to the Pacific Ocean. During that period, he got the 1st recorded European contact with the eastern coastline of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands and the 1st recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand.

Cook made history after discovering the first accurate map of the Pacific and charted New Zealand and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on his ship, HMB Endeavour, and later disproved the existence of the fabled southern continent, Terra Australis. Besides, he got married to Elizabeth Batts, with whom he shared six children. Continue reading for more details on his personal as well as professional life.

Who is James Cook? His Bio & Wiki

James Cook is one of the greatest explorers in the world who helped guide generations of explorers and provided the first accurate map of the Pacific. Moreover, he joined the British merchant navy as a teenager and joined the Royal Navy in 1755. In three voyages, Cook walked thousands of miles across largely uncharted areas of the globe.

Cook was born on 27th October 1728, in Marton-in-Cleveland, Yorkshire, England. Cook is British by his nationality and belongs to English ethnicity. Furthermore, he was the second of eight children of James Cook (1693–1779), a Scottish farm laborer and Grace Pace (1702–1765). Moreover, he grew up with John, Mary, Christiana, William, Margaret, and Jane Cook.

Official portrait of Captain James Cook
Official painting of Captain, James Cook

Concerning about Cook’s education, he attended Postgate School, Great Ayton. Later, he became capable in mathematics, astronomy and charting by the time of his Endeavour voyage.

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Inside of James Cook’s Career

Talking about James Cook’s profession, Cook’s first posting was with HMS’ Eagle, serving as a capable seaman and master’s mate under Captain, Joseph Hamar for his 1st year aboard, and Captain, Hugh Palliser thereafter. Moreover, his first temporary command was in March 1756 when he was briefly master of Cruizer, a small cutter attached to Eagle while on patrol.

Statue of Cook, Greenwich, London
Statue of James Cook, Greenwich, London

Today, Cook’s voyages are credited with helping to guide generations of explorers, and with providing the 1st accurate map of the Pacific. Many believe that James did more to fill the map of the world than any other explorer in history.

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British Explorer

James Cook eventually joined the British Navy and became a British explorer at age 29 and promoted as the ship’s master. During the Seven Years War (1756-1763), he commanded a captured ship for the Royal Navy. Later in 1768, Cook took command of the 1st scientific expedition to the Pacific.

The routes of Captain James Cook's voyages. The first voyage is shown in red, second voyage in green, and third voyage in blue. The route of Cook's crew following his death is shown as a dashed blue line.
The routes of Captain, James Cook’s excursions. The 1st voyage is shown in the red, 2nd voyage in green, and 3rd voyage in blue. The route of James Cook’s crew following his death is shown as a dashed blue line.

On his ship the HMB’s Endeavour, he discovered and charted New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Since James credited as one of the world’s most dangerous areas to navigate in 1770.

Who is James Cook’s Wife? His Marriage & Children

Coming up to James Cook’s personal life, James died as a happily married man. He tied the knot with Elizabeth Batts, the daughter of Samuel Batts, keeper of the Bell Inn in Wapping and one of his mentors, at St Margaret’s Church, Barking, Essex on 21 December 1762.

Portrayal of James Cook's Wife, Elizabeth Cook
A portrayal of James Cook’s Wife, Elizabeth Cook

Furthermore, the couple also had six beautiful children including five sons, James (1763–1794), Nathaniel (1764–1780), Joseph (1768–1768), George (1772–1772), Hugh (1776–1793) and a beautiful daughter, Elizabeth (1767–1771). Besides, James hasn’t linked in extra-marital affairs with any woman in that era.

James Cook’s Death

James Cook died on February 14, 1779, in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii, the United States. During his 3rd exploratory voyage in the Pacific while striving to kidnap Hawaiian chief, Kalaniʻōpuʻu in order to reclaim a cutter stolen from one of his ships.

Death of Captain James Cook
End of Captain, James Cook

Later, he left a legacy of scientific and geographical knowledge which influenced his successors well into the 20th century. Moreover, many monuments worldwide have dedicated to him.