Edgar had served as master on the Discovery during James Cook's Third Voyage to the Pacific (1776-1780). According to the entry on Thomas Edgar in John Robson's book The Captain Cook Encyclopaedia 2004:
He kept a log and a journal, and he made surveys and drew charts. After the voyage, Edgar was promoted to lieutenant in 1781. He visited The Falkland Islands from 1786 to 1787 on board the whaler, Hope. He surveyed part of the coast and is commemorated by Port Edgar on West Falkland, while Hope Reef honours the ship.
When Edgar eventually ended his sea-going days he became keeper of the Dungeness Signal Tower in Kent and remained in this post until he died at the age of 56; he was buried in the grounds of All Saints' Church, Lydd.
A modem nuclear power station is located close to the site of the early signal tower, now replaced by an automated lighthouse on the cusp of Dungeness Promontory.
I viewed the old stone in its new location but saw no signs of structural damage. However, the engraved testimonial words to this much-travelled sailor had been badly eroded, due no doubt to the salt-laden winds blowing inland from the nearby English Channel, so that they were almost illegible. Nevertheless, after sitting on a nearby seat, I concentrated on deciphering their message.
The inscription seems to read:
In MEMORY OF LIEU THO EDGAR of the Royal Navy Who departed this life Oct 17th 1801 AGED 56 Years He came into the Navy at 10 years of age was intl at memorable Engagement with Adm Hawk and sailed round the world in company with the unfortunate CAPTAIN COOK of the Resolution in his last Voyage when he was killed by the Indians at the island of Owhie In the South Seas the 14th Feb 1778.
Tom Edgar at last has sailed out of this world, His shroud is put on and his topsails are furl'd He lies in death's boat without any concern,. And is moor'd for a full due ahead and astern, Ov'r the compass of life he has merrily run, His voyage is completed his reckoning is done.
As may be seen, it is a simple tomb stone.
Barry Floyd
Originally published in Cook's Log, page 27, volume 30, number 1 (2007).
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