James Clark Ross Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir James Clark Ross was a renowned British polar explorer who made significant contributions to the discovery and mapping of the Arctic and Antarctic regions in the 19th century. Born in 1800, Ross joined the Royal Navy at a young age and quickly developed a passion for exploration. He participated in several expeditions to the Arctic, including those led by his uncle, Sir John Ross, and William Parry.

In 1839, Ross set out on his most famous voyage, leading the first expedition to reach the magnetic South Pole. He commanded the ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, which would later gain notoriety for their ill-fated Franklin expedition. During this journey, Ross discovered the Ross Sea, the Victoria Barrier (now known as the Ross Ice Shelf), and the volcanoes Mount Erebus and Mount Terror, named after his ships.

Ross’s expeditions were not only significant for their geographical discoveries but also for their scientific contributions. He conducted extensive research on terrestrial magnetism, which helped to improve navigation and our understanding of the Earth’s magnetic fields. His work earned him numerous accolades, including a knighthood in 1844. After retiring from the Navy, Ross lived at 2 Eliot Place in Blackheath, London, until his death in 1862. The house, located in the Borough of Greenwich, now bears a blue plaque commemorating the life and achievements of this remarkable explorer.

The Borough of Greenwich, where Ross spent his final years, has a rich maritime history. It is home to the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the Cutty Sark, a famous 19th-century tea clipper. Greenwich has long been associated with seafaring, navigation, and exploration, making it a fitting place for a distinguished explorer like Sir James Clark Ross to have resided.