May 27th 2024.
In honor of the 150th anniversary of renowned polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's birth, a special memorial will embark on a journey spanning over 7,000 miles from South Georgia to Dundee. This memorial is a wooden cross from Shackleton's Hope Point memorial and will soon be displayed at Discovery Point, where the famous Royal Research Ship Discovery is housed. Born in Kilkea in 1874, Shackleton is best remembered for his leadership in three British expeditions to the Antarctic.
Tragically, Shackleton passed away in January 1922 at the young age of 47, after suffering a heart attack onboard his expedition ship, the Quest. His final resting place is located in Grytviken Cemetery, a UK overseas territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean. To pay their respects and honor their beloved leader, the crew members of the Shackleton-Rowett expedition erected a memorial at Hope Point, near his gravesite.
This memorial, known as the Hope Cross, was handcrafted by the Quest's crew using wood salvaged from a nearby whaling station. Standing almost three meters tall and weighing approximately 30kg, the Cross stood proudly on Hope Point for nearly a century. However, in 2018, the decision was made by GSGSSI (the owners) to remove the Cross and replace it with a replica in order to preserve its meaningful legacy.
The original Cross was then loaded onto the RRS Sir David Attenborough earlier this year, beginning its long journey to Dundee. It is expected to arrive in August and a special service will be held at the home of the RRS Discovery to commemorate its arrival. This voyage is a collaboration between the Dundee Heritage Trust, the South Georgia Heritage Trust, the British Antarctic Survey, and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Emma Halford-Forbes, the Heritage & Exhibitions Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, expressed her excitement for the arrival of the Hope Cross in Dundee. She shared, "We are delighted to welcome the Hope Cross to Dundee for the first time and to display it to a wider audience. Our plan is to showcase the Cross as part of a new gallery, providing a respectful and reflective space for visitors to remember not only Shackleton, but all the brave Antarctic explorers of the past."
To ensure the proper care of this significant piece of history, the DHT is appealing to raise £10,000. Laura Willis, the Chief Executive of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, believes that the display of the Hope Cross will inspire visitors to appreciate the enduring legacy of one of the world's greatest explorers, as well as the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
In addition to honoring Shackleton's memory, the Hope Cross also represents the spirit of exploration and resilience that has defined the islands of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for nearly 300 years. From generations of whalers to modern-day adventurers, ecologists, and conservationists, these islands have continued to push the boundaries of knowledge in the sub-polar regions.
Don't miss the opportunity to see this remarkable cross and pay tribute to Shackleton and all the incredible explorers who have come before. Subscribe to Scottish Field to stay updated on the latest news and read more inspiring stories.
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