Ships & Crews Whitby-built ships were used on all the voyages. The vessels had large holds for storing the massive amounts of supplies needed for a long voyage and were flat-bottomed so that they could be beached for repairs. |
Omai: The Noble Savage In 1774 Omai, of the island of Huahine near Tahiti, became the first South Sea islander seen in Britain. He became the darling of society until he returned home in 1776. |
Charts & Maps Cook accurately surveyed and charted many areas in the Pacific for the first time, providing successive travellers with reliable navigational information. |
Landscape & Buildings Many of the locations visited by Cook were extremely beautiful and awe-inspiring. The artists on the voyages recorded both the natural and man-made environments. |
Flora & Fauna |
Transit of Venus In 1768 Cook led an expedition to Tahiti to observe the Transit of Venus across the face of the sun. He reported his findings to the Royal Society on his return. |
Objects Many artefacts made and used by native peoples, from jewellery to boats, clothing to weapons, were recorded and examples collected to be taken back to Britain. |
Boats &
Canoes Usually the first contact made with the native people of a land was when they paddled or sailed out in their small boats or canoes to meet the ships. |
People & Activities Cook and his crew recorded in great detail the people of the areas that they visited - their appearance, dress, language, customs, beliefs and activities. |
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