Memorial on Easby Moor, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire commemorating Captain James Cook RN d. 1779
Location
Easby Moor, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, England
Transcript
'In memory of the celebrated circumnavigator Captain James Cook F.R.S. A man of nautical knowledge inferior to none, in zeal prudence and energy, superior to most. Regardless of danger he opened an intercourse with the Friendly Isles and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. He was born at Marton Oct. 27th 1728 and massacred at Owythee Feb. 14th 1779 to the inexpressible grief of his countrymen. While the art of navigation shall be cultivated among men, whilst the spirit of enterprise, commerce and philanthropy shall animate the sons of Britain, while it shall be deemed the honour of a Christian Nation to spread civilisation and the blessings of the Christian faith among pagan and savage tribes, so long will the name of Captain Cook stand out amongst the most celebrated and most admired benefactors of the human race. '
Details
Materials: Sandstone
Date Erected: 1827
Vessel: HMB Endeavor
People
Age: 51
Date of Death: 14/2/1779
Cause of Death: Killed by indigenous people
Rank / Occupation: Captain RN
Organisation: Royal Navy
Extra
Bibliography: 'The Builder' 3 Aug 1895 p. 79 (repairs to the memorial); David Saunders 'Britain's Maritime Memorials and Mementoes'(Yeovil, 1996); p.53 http://en.wikipedia.org