In the Lincolnshire market town of Spilsby, a statue stands proudly in the heart of the community. This statue immortalizes Sir John Franklin, a man whose name resonates through the annals of exploration history. Known as one of the most determined Arctic explorers of his time, Franklin’s quest for discovery, especially his ill-fated expedition in search of the Northwest Passage, solidified his place in global history.
However, Franklin’s story is not just one of triumph and tragedy—it is also a tale of scientific advancement, human resilience, and the enduring mysteries of the Arctic. His life, his expeditions, and his tragic end have inspired countless books, studies, and memorials. Among these, Michael Palin’s acclaimed book Erebus: The Story of a Ship has brought renewed focus to Franklin’s legacy. In this article, we will delve into Franklin’s life, his explorations, the tragic Franklin Expedition, his legacy, and the memorials—including the statue in Spilsby—that continue to honour him.
Sir John Franklin: Early Life in Spilsby
Sir John Franklin was born on April 16, 1786, in Spilsby, in what is now Cooplands Bakery. The youngest of 12 children, Franklin’s family held modest means. His father, Willingham Franklin, intended for him to join the clergy, but young Franklin had other aspirations. His fascination with the sea, spurred on by childhood adventures and stories of maritime exploration, became apparent early on.
At just 14 years old, Franklin joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman aboard HMS Polyphemus. This was a turbulent period in British naval history, and Franklin quickly found himself involved in key battles, including the Battle of Copenhagen (1801) and later the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). These experiences sharpened his seamanship and cultivated his resilience, qualities that would define his Arctic explorations.
The Arctic Explorations
Franklin’s name is synonymous with the exploration of the Arctic, a region that remained one of the last frontiers of the 19th century. His expeditions were driven by Britain’s ambition to find the Northwest Passage, a trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This dream captivated generations of explorers, promising shorter trading routes between Europe and Asia.
The First Arctic Expeditions
Franklin’s Arctic journey began in earnest in 1818 when he served as second-in-command of an expedition under Captain David Buchan. Their mission: to reach the North Pole via the icy waters around Spitsbergen. Although the expedition was ultimately unsuccessful, it sparked Franklin’s enduring fascination with the Arctic.
In 1819, Franklin commanded his first major Arctic expedition. Tasked with mapping the northern coastline of Canada, Franklin and his crew braved starvation, bitter cold, and dangerous terrain. The journey was harrowing, with many of the crew succumbing to the elements. Franklin’s survival, albeit through desperate measures—including eating his boots—earned him the infamous nickname “The Man Who Ate His Boots.”
The Final Expedition (1845)
In 1845, Franklin embarked on his most ambitious and, ultimately, his most tragic expedition. Leading the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, Franklin set out to chart the last uncharted sections of the Northwest Passage. The ships were state-of-the-art, equipped with reinforced hulls and steam engines, and carried provisions for three years.
However, tragedy struck. After wintering on Beechey Island in 1845–46, the ships became trapped in ice in the Victoria Strait, near King William Island. Franklin died in June 1847, and the remaining crew perished over the next two years due to a combination of starvation, scurvy, exposure, and possibly lead poisoning from poorly preserved tinned food.
The fate of Franklin’s expedition became one of the greatest mysteries of the 19th century. Between 1848 and 1859, more than 40 expeditions were launched to find Franklin and his men. While some evidence—notes, graves, and artifacts—was uncovered, much of the mystery remained unsolved for over 150 years.
The Rediscovery of the Franklin Expedition
The 21st century has seen extraordinary breakthroughs in uncovering the truth behind Franklin’s expedition. In 2014, the wreck of HMS Erebus was discovered in the Queen Maud Gulf by Canadian archaeologists. Two years later, HMS Terror was found in an astonishingly well-preserved state in Terror Bay. These discoveries provided invaluable insights into the expedition and reignited global interest in Franklin’s story.
Michael Palin’s Erebus: The Story of a Ship
Among the many works inspired by Franklin’s expeditions, Michael Palin’s Erebus: The Story of a Ship stands out as a masterful exploration of the ship’s history and its pivotal role in Arctic exploration. Published in 2018, Palin’s book traces the life of HMS Erebus, from its construction to its Antarctic voyages under James Clark Ross, and finally to its tragic end in the Arctic.
Palin, best known as a member of Monty Python and a seasoned travel writer, brings a unique blend of humour, humanity, and historical insight to the story. He delves into the lives of the men aboard HMS Erebus and examines how their journey reflects the spirit of Victorian exploration. Palin’s work is a testament to the enduring fascination with Franklin’s story and the legacy of Erebus.
Legacy and Memorials
Despite the tragedy of his final expedition, Sir John Franklin’s contributions to Arctic exploration remain monumental. His expeditions significantly expanded the understanding of the Arctic, paving the way for future explorers. Franklin’s name is commemorated in numerous geographical features, including Franklin Bay, Franklin Strait, and Franklin Island.
The Statue in Spilsby
The most personal and enduring tribute to Franklin is the statue in his hometown of Spilsby. Unveiled in 1861, it depicts Franklin in full naval attire, gazing resolutely toward the horizon—a symbol of his adventurous spirit. The statue stands in the market square, serving as a focal point for the town’s pride in its connection to one of history’s great explorers.
Other Memorials
- Westminster Abbey:
- A plaque in Westminster Abbey honours Franklin and his crew, commemorating their courage and sacrifice.
- Tasmania:
- Franklin served as Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) from 1837 to 1843. The Franklin Square in Hobart and a statue there celebrate his contributions to the region.
- Beechey Island:
- The graves of three crew members buried on Beechey Island during the expedition’s first winter serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Arctic explorers.
Franklin’s Enduring Appeal
Sir John Franklin’s story transcends his own lifetime, capturing themes of ambition, resilience, and the human thirst for discovery. The mystery of his final expedition, combined with the rediscovery of HMS Erebus and Terror, ensures his legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Michael Palin’s Erebus adds a modern voice to this legacy, connecting Franklin’s story to contemporary audiences. For those who visit Spilsby, the statue of Franklin stands not only as a reminder of his incredible life but also as a call to embrace the spirit of exploration in all its forms.