Description:
The Leviathan, a sea monster, is depicted on a sculpture, sited on Plymouth’s historic waterfront.
Constructed in mild steel with a thermo-copper finish, it sits on a steel obelisk, on which are various round plaques, one of which commemorates Captain James Cook.
History:
This monument was commissioned by the Sutton Harbour Company, and installed in 1996.
Sculptured by Brian Fell, it is sited near the ‘Mayflower Steps’
Inscription:
At the top of the plaque is a depiction of Cook with drawing instruments, book and globe in the background.
Below is the inscription:
CAPTAIN JAMES COOK (1728-1779)
ALL THREE OF COOK’S VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY STARTED FROM PLYMOUTH. DURING THE
FIRST HE SURVEYED AND CHARTED THE COASTS OF NEW ZEALAND & EASTERN AUSTRALIA
WHICH HE CLAIMED FOR BRITAIN. IN THE LAST HE WAS KILLED BY HAWAIIAN WARRIORS.
Beneath the plaque is a depiction of a sailing ship.
Around the outside rim of the plaque is inscribed:
ON 26TH AUGUST 1768 HMS ENDEAVOUR LEFT PLYMOUTH FOR THE PACIFIC ON AN EXPEDITION TO OBSERVE THE TRANSIT OF VENUS. COOK LEFT LADEN WITH SHEEP DRIED SOUP 9600 KG OF BREAD 4000 KG OF FLOUR 3500 KG OF PICKLED CABBAGE & 187 BUSHELS OF PEAS
GPS Coordinates: 50.366112, -413379
References:
Western Evening Herald. Tuesday, 21 May, 1996. Page 7.