A special memorial plaque has been unveiled at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel to commemorate 100 years since polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton left the city on his final trip to Antarctica.
His voyage on the boat Quest was undertaken to conduct scientific research and experimentation on 'lost' sub-Antarctic islands.
Sadly, Shackleton passed away shortly after arriving in South Georgia - meaning his ‘quest’ for discovery was left uncompleted.
Now Alexandra Shackleton, Ernest’s granddaughter, has unveiled the new plaque alongside the eight-member team of Antarctic Quest 21 who will be retracing Shackleton’s footsteps to mark the centenary.
The Quest 21 team will also be carrying out scientific experiments on Antarctica as well as holding a commemoration ceremony for Ernest Shackleton on the anniversary of his death.
Ms Shackleton unveiled the Plaque on 24th September 2021, 100 years to the day since Shackleton left Plymouth on the Quest. She was joined by Jan Chojecki, the grandson of the Quest’s financial backer John Quiller Rowett.
“The Antarctic Quest 21 Expedition has scientific data-gathering front and centre of its ambitions," said Jan.
"A century ago, my grandfather, John Quiller Rowett was insistent that science should be the priority for the Quest and as such, it can be regarded as the first polar expedition of the modern age, rather than the last of the Heroic Age.
"I wish the team all the best in their quest.”
Have you ever wanted to visit the Antarctic? Tell us in the comments.
In addition to being 100 years since the voyage, September 24th also marked the beginning of an educational campaign by the Antarctic Quest 21 crew which invites all schools and young families in Plymouth and the southwest to celebrate their polar maritime history.
Antony Jinman, Explorer in Residence of The Box in Plymouth, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get involved with a historic scientific expedition where polar science is as relevant today as it has ever been, especially being able to share our research and experiences with the future generations of the city.
“Anyone joining in can have all the benefits of our learning from the comfort of their own home and classroom and won’t have to face temperatures of minus 30 degrees centigrade or six weeks of freeze-dried food!”.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the school outreach program or follow the team’s progress can visit their website: https://www.antarcticquest21.com
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