The Museum is in the 17th century house on Whitby's harbour where the young James Cook lodged as apprentice. It was here Captain Cook trained as a seaman, leading to his epic voyages of discovery.
The house, formerly known as Walkers House, belonged to Cook’s master Captain John Walker. Letters in Cook’s own hand and other original manuscripts, fine paintings and prints, maps and Pacific artifacts illustrate Cook’s life and the achievements of those who sailed with him. Among the many exhibits are:
Muster roll of the Freelove – Cook’s name inscribed
Cook’s attic where the apprentices were lodged
Map of the Great Voyages
The Resolution model – Cook’s ship for the second voyage
Cook’s letter to Captain Hammond, approving Resolution
The Earl of Sandwich, 1st Lord of the Admiralty by Gainsborough
Joseph Bank’s complaint and the 1st Lord’s riposte
Maori tattoos and a tattooing instrument – very painful!
Mrs. Cook and her application for a pension
Captain Bligh of the Bounty by John Russell
King George’s regrets at Cook’s death
Peepholes and Activities for younger members of the family
The Museum is open at half term weekends in February and then daily until 31 October
Please look on their informative web site below for details of opening times and admission charges – likewise for their temporary exhibitions staged every year in Cook’s Attic at the museum.
So for a great museum in the heart of Whitby, look no further than the Captain Cook Museum.
