Richard Pickersgill facts for kids
Richard Pickersgill was an English naval officer and explorer. He was born on April 18, 1749, in West Tanfield, England. He sadly passed away in July 1779 in London. Richard is best known for sailing with the famous explorer James Cook on two big trips across the Pacific Ocean.
Early Life and First Voyages
Richard Pickersgill was born in 1749 in a place called West Tanfield, close to Ripon in England. His parents were Richard and Ann Pickersgill. His uncle, John Lee, worked for a very important person in the British Navy, George Jackson. It's thought that his uncle helped him get his first jobs on ships because of these connections.
In 1766, when Richard was 17 years old, he joined a journey around the world. He sailed with Captain Samuel Wallis on a ship called HMS Dolphin. This was a huge adventure!
Sailing with Captain Cook
Two years later, on August 26, 1768, Richard Pickersgill joined James Cook's first big trip to the South Pacific. He was a Master's mate on HMS Endeavour. During this voyage, he really impressed Captain Cook. Cook thought Richard was very good at surveying (making maps) and at dealing with the local people they met. He also trusted Richard's judgment.
When the ship's Master, Robert Molineux, passed away on the way back to England, Richard was promoted. On April 16, 1771, he became the new Master of the Endeavour. After they returned to London, Captain Cook recommended Richard for another promotion. Richard Pickersgill then became a Lieutenant.
On July 13, 1772, Captain Cook started his second expedition. Richard Pickersgill joined him again, this time as the Third Lieutenant on HMS Resolution.
Later Voyages and Legacy
Richard did not go with Captain Cook on his third voyage. Instead, in April 1776, he took command of his own ship, the Lyon. He was sent on a mission to Baffin Bay, which is off the east coast of Canada.
Sadly, Richard Pickersgill died in 1779 when he was only 30 years old. He accidentally fell into the River Thames in London while getting onto a ship and drowned.
Even though he died young, Richard Pickersgill is remembered. Some places in the world are named after him. These include the Pickersgill Islands near South Georgia in the South Atlantic Ocean. There is also Pickersgill Harbour, a natural harbor in New Zealand.
