Hugh Willoughby facts for kids
Sir Hugh Willoughby (who lived from about 1544 to 1554) was an English soldier and an early Arctic explorer. He worked for King Henry VIII. He fought bravely in Scotland and was made a knight. In 1553, a group of London merchants chose him to lead a fleet of three ships. Their goal was to find a sea route to Asia, called the Northeast Passage.
Willoughby and the crews of two ships died on this journey. But the third ship, the Edward Bonaventure, led by Richard Chancellor, successfully opened trade with Russia. This trade lasted for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Hugh Willoughby was the youngest son of Sir Henry Willoughby. His family was wealthy and important. Hugh served King Henry VIII in his court. Later, he joined the military.
He became a captain in the Scottish campaign of 1544. He was knighted for his bravery. This means he was given the title "Sir." He helped capture a tower and defended a fort. He was a strong military leader.
The Search for a New Route
In 1553, a group of London merchants wanted to find a new sea route. They hoped to sail north of Europe and Asia to reach the Far East. This route was called the Northeast Passage. Sebastian Cabot helped organize this trip. The group was first called the Company of Merchant Adventurers to New Lands. Later, it became known as the Muscovy Company.
Willoughby asked to lead this expedition. He didn't have much experience sailing. But he was chosen because of his important family. He was also known for his "skill in the services of war."
Three new ships were built for the journey. One ship had its bottom lined with lead. This was to stop tiny worms from damaging the wood. The ships had plenty of supplies for a long trip. An experienced crew was also chosen.
On May 10, 1553, Willoughby set sail. He was the main captain of the fleet on the ship Bona Esperanza. The other two ships were the Edward Bonaventure and the Bona Confidentia. His main pilot, Richard Chancellor, sailed on the Edward. They left London with a big celebration. They even fired cannons for the young King Edward.
The Disappearance
The ships were delayed by bad winds. They only reached the coast of Norway by July 14. This was more than two months after leaving London. The ships tried to stay together. They agreed that if they got separated, they would meet at Wardhouse. This was a small fort on a Norwegian island.
On July 30, a big storm hit them. Willoughby and the Bona Confidentia got separated from Chancellor's ship, the Edward. The Edward sailed to Wardhouse as planned. Chancellor waited there for seven days. But the other two ships never arrived.
Chancellor then continued his journey eastward. He found the entrance to the White Sea. He docked his ship near a convent. From there, he was called to Moscow. He met with Ivan the Terrible, the Russian ruler. Chancellor made a trade agreement with Russia. This agreement lasted for 300 years.
Willoughby and his crew were never seen alive again. But Willoughby's journal was found later. This journal helped us understand what happened. The storm had blown them far from the coast. They got lost because they couldn't see any landmarks. Willoughby tried to reach Wardhouse. But their maps were wrong, and the compass didn't work well. The weather was too cloudy to figure out their position.
For two weeks, the ships sailed east. They found an empty shoreline full of birds. This was probably part of Novaya Zemlya. They then turned back and headed west. They sailed along Kolguev Island. They just missed the entrance to the White Sea, where Chancellor had landed. As the weather got colder, ice started to form. They decided to spend the winter in a bay. This bay was on the Kola Peninsula. They searched in three directions, but found no towns or people.
What Happened Next
No one on Willoughby's ships survived the winter. Russian fishermen found the two ships the next spring. The bodies of the crews were still on board. Willoughby's journal was also found. For many years, people thought they died from hunger and cold. More recently, some think they might have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. This could have happened if they blocked their stove chimney to keep warm.
The discovery was quickly reported to the Russian ruler in Moscow. He ordered the ships to be kept safe. They were moved to the White Sea. The English were supposed to come and get them. It wasn't until 1556 that crews were sent from England. They were to sail the ships back to London. It was said that Willoughby's body was put on board for the trip home.
On July 20, 1556, the two ships left Russia. They made it to the west coast of Norway. But then another storm hit them. Both ships sank. However, Willoughby's journal made it back to England safely on another ship.
During his journey, Willoughby thought he saw islands to the north. Based on his notes, these islands were later drawn on maps. They were called Willoughby's Land and Matsyn Island.
In the 1590s, another explorer named Willem Barentsz tried the same Northeast Passage. He also got stuck in ice near Novaya Zemlya and died. But some of his crew returned home. The Barents Sea is named after him.
See also
- List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea
- Nesbit Willoughby
- Risley Hall
