James Cook was appointed to command a ship called Endeavour, which left Plymouth on 26 August, 1768. Information about her and the men who sailed in her can be found below, with links to information found elsewhere on our website
Ship Endeavour was built in Whitby, and originally named Earl of Pembroke. More information about her can be found in an article about Endeavour.
Main events during this period A list of what Cook was up to preparing for this voyage and during the voyage can be found in Paul Capper's list of First Voyage dates. In each issue of Cook's Log an article appears saying what was happening to Captain Cook 250 years earlier.
A daily update of what was happening on that day 250 years ago can be found on our Daily Activities pages
Crew A total of 95 persons sailed in Endeavour, 94 leaving England and one seaman being impressed at Madeira. Replacements for lost crew members were obtained at various ports later in the voyage. Fifty-six of the original 94 reached home 2 years and 11 months later.
They are listed below with links to information about them. Note: A.B. is short for Able Bodied seaman
Name
Position (s)
Biographical details
Transcript of Will
Family Tree
Marines In addition to the ship's crew, Endeavour also carried a number of soldiers from the Marine Service. Their presence helped Captain Cook to maintain order on board. They also provided the Captain with protection whenever he went ashore.
Position
Mr. Banks' Party Also on board were a number of scientists who took various measurements during the course of the voyage, and collected natural history specimens from the lands which were visited.
Jeffrey, I think that your memory may be mixing up two different events. Captain Cook arrived in Botany Bay in 1770 in command of his ship Endeavour. Yes, one of the marines on board was called Webb, Clement Webb. But I think that you are confusing the arrival of the Endeavour with those 11 ships which arrived in 1788, and are called the First Fleet. I do not know if there was a member of the crew of those 11 ships called Webb.
My Ancestor was Webb on Endeavour. I Remember Seeing His Name as Able Seaman on The Sydney Harbour Bridge CAPTAIN COOK ENDEAVOUR FIRST FLEET PLAQUE.I Just Found the Ships Crew Details.
Congratulations for the 250th anniversary
Judith, the above tables include all of the men who sailed around the world on Endeavour. Some of the 19 who joined Endeavour at Batavia have been listed, as they provided a significant contribution to the voyage home. None of the 10 who joined the ship at Cape of Good Hope have been included. Please let me know if you feel that there are other names that merit inclusion.
Not all members of the crew are listed. Am I correct?All the best, Judith
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