Captain Cook Memorial — Attraction in Whitby

The statue is in a prominent position on West Cliff overlooking the harbour. Unveiled in 1902 with a plaque presented by the people of Australia added in 1970 and another from New Zealand in 1984. There's also a plaque commemorating the men who built Whitby ships. Cook was a great explorer who sought to engage with indigenous peoples in previously unknown lands with enlightenment. His ships had on board astronomers, botanists, scientists and artists. Unfortunately there are those who wish to tarnish his legacy through...

While this is a grand and impressive memorial to Cook, it could do with some more context about the nature of his expedition and the impact of his life and exploits in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. To claim that from Cook's 'discovery' that emerged a nation is a controversial statement - People have been living in what we now call Australia for many centuries before Cook's arrival. James Cook has a definite place in global history, but the story could be given wider narratives than just...

An impressive bronze statue of a great British seafarer and explorer. Captain Cook was not born in Whitby but he served his seaman's apprenticeship here, lodging in a house (now a museum dedicated to him) on the opposite side of the harbour in the old town. The grassy headland in front of the memorial is a great spot for picnics, with plenty of seats and some wonderful panoramic views of the harbour and town. It's only a few steps from the Whalebone Arch and a short walk from...