Charles Robert Malden facts for kids

Charles Robert Malden (born August 9, 1797 – died May 23, 1855) was a British naval officer, explorer, and educator from the 1800s. He is famous for discovering Malden Island in the central Pacific Ocean, which was named after him. He also started a well-known school called Windlesham House School in Brighton, England.

Early Life and Naval Adventures

Charles Robert Malden was born in Putney, Surrey. His father, Jonas Malden, was a surgeon. Charles began his journey in the British navy at a young age, joining when he was just 11 years old on June 22, 1809.

Joining the Royal Navy

He spent nine years serving in different roles, including as a volunteer and a midshipman. During this time, he sailed in many parts of the world. He spent a year in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay. He also served four years near the Cape of Good Hope and in the East Indies. Later, he spent two and a half years in North America and the West Indies. Finally, he served a year and a half in the Mediterranean Sea.

Charles Malden was part of important historical events. He was present when the British captured Mauritius and Java. He also took part in the Battle of Baltimore and the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

Exploring and Surveying

After passing his exams in math and navigation, Charles became a First Lieutenant on September 1, 1818. As an officer, he spent several years on surveying ships. Surveying means carefully mapping out areas, especially coastlines and harbors.

He worked for two and a half years mapping parts of the Mediterranean. Then, he spent one and a half years surveying the English Channel and the coast of Ireland. From 1824 to 1826, he was the surveyor on a frigate (a type of warship) called HMS Blonde. This ship traveled to the Hawaiian Islands, which were then known as the "Sandwich Islands."

Discovering Malden Island

While in Hawaii, Charles Malden surveyed harbors that earlier explorers like Captain Cook and Vancouver had not found. On the return journey from Hawaii, he made an important discovery. On July 30, 1825, he found an uninhabited island in the central Pacific. This island was later named Malden Island in his honor.

After this voyage, he left active naval service but continued to receive half-pay. For several years, he worked as a hydrographer for King William IV. A hydrographer creates charts and maps of oceans, seas, and coastlines.

A New Path: Educator

On April 8, 1828, Charles Malden married Frances Cole. They had seven sons and one daughter.

From 1830 to 1836, Charles Malden began teaching students who wanted to join the Royal Navy. He taught them at Ryde, on the Isle of Wight. In December 1836, he bought a school in Newport, also on the Isle of Wight. He reopened it as a preparatory school on February 20, 1837.

Founding a School

Later that year, in December 1837, he moved the school to Montpelier Road in Brighton. In 1844, he built the famous Windlesham House School in Brighton. He ran this school until he passed away in 1855. His son, Henry Charles Malden, took over as headmaster after him.