37 Facts About John Franklin

Early Life of John Franklin

John Franklin, a British Royal Navy officer and explorer, is best known for his Arctic expeditions. His early life set the stage for his adventurous career.

1. Born on April 16, 1786, in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, England, Franklin was the ninth of twelve children.
2. Franklin's father, Willingham Franklin, was a merchant, which provided the family with a comfortable lifestyle.
3. At the age of 14, Franklin joined the Royal Navy, starting his naval career aboard the HMS Polyphemus.
4. His first major naval engagement was the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, where he served as a midshipman.
5. Franklin's early education included attending King Edward VI Grammar School in Louth, Lincolnshire.

Naval Career and Expeditions

Franklin's naval career was marked by numerous expeditions and significant contributions to Arctic exploration.

6. In 1805, Franklin participated in the Battle of Trafalgar, one of the most famous naval battles in history.
7. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1808 after demonstrating bravery and skill in various naval engagements.
8. Franklin's first Arctic expedition was in 1818, under the command of Captain David Buchan, aiming to find a Northwest Passage.
9. During the 1819-1822 Coppermine Expedition, Franklin mapped over 5,000 miles of Canada's northern coastline.
10. Franklin earned the nickname "the man who ate his boots" after his party was forced to eat leather during the harsh conditions of the Coppermine Expedition.

Franklin's Ill-Fated Last Expedition

Franklin's final expedition in 1845 aimed to chart and navigate the Northwest Passage but ended in tragedy.

11. The expedition consisted of two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with a crew of 129 men.
12. Franklin's ships were last seen by European whalers in Baffin Bay in July 1845.
13. The expedition became icebound in Victoria Strait near King William Island and never returned.
14. Rescue missions were launched between 1848 and 1859, but none found survivors.
15. Evidence suggested that the crew resorted to cannibalism in their final desperate days.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the tragic end, Franklin's expeditions significantly contributed to Arctic exploration and left a lasting legacy.

16. Franklin's wife, Lady Jane Franklin, tirelessly campaigned for search missions and kept his memory alive.
17. The Franklin Expedition's disappearance spurred numerous expeditions, leading to greater knowledge of the Arctic.
18. In 1854, explorer John Rae discovered evidence of the expedition's fate from Inuit reports.
19. The wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were discovered in 2014 and 2016, respectively, providing new insights.
20. Franklin's name is commemorated in various geographical locations, including Franklin Strait and Franklin Island.

Personal Life and Relationships

Franklin's personal life was marked by his relationships and family connections.

21. Franklin married Eleanor Anne Porden in 1823, who was a poet and writer.
22. Eleanor died in 1825, shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Eleanor Isabella Franklin.
23. In 1828, Franklin married Jane Griffin, who became Lady Jane Franklin after his knighthood.
24. Lady Jane Franklin was a strong supporter of her husband's career and played a crucial role in the search efforts.
25. Franklin's daughter, Eleanor Isabella, married Reverend John Philip Gell, an Anglican clergyman.

Honors and Recognition

Franklin received numerous honors and recognition for his contributions to exploration and the Royal Navy.

26. He was knighted in 1829, becoming Sir John Franklin, for his services to Arctic exploration.
27. Franklin served as the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) from 1837 to 1843.
28. During his tenure, he promoted education and scientific research in the colony.
29. Franklin was a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest honors for a scientist in Britain.
30. Monuments and memorials dedicated to Franklin can be found in various locations, including Westminster Abbey.

Scientific Contributions and Discoveries

Franklin's expeditions contributed valuable scientific knowledge and discoveries.

31. His detailed maps of the Canadian Arctic coastline were used by future explorers.
32. Franklin's observations of Arctic wildlife and climate provided important data for scientists.
33. The Franklin Expedition's findings helped improve navigation and survival techniques in polar regions.
34. Artifacts recovered from the expedition sites have provided insights into 19th-century naval life.
35. Franklin's expeditions inspired future generations of explorers and adventurers.

Cultural Impact and Representation

Franklin's story has been depicted in various cultural works, reflecting his enduring legacy.

36. Numerous books, films, and television series have been created about Franklin and his expeditions.
37. The 2018 TV series "The Terror" dramatized the Franklin Expedition, bringing the story to a wider audience.

Reflecting on John Franklin's Legacy

John Franklin's life was a mix of adventure, discovery, and mystery. His expeditions, especially the ill-fated one in search of the Northwest Passage, left a lasting mark on history. Despite the tragic end, Franklin's determination and bravery continue to inspire explorers and historians alike. His contributions to Arctic exploration expanded our understanding of the region, even if it came at a great personal cost. The search for his lost expedition sparked numerous rescue missions, each adding pieces to the puzzle of his final journey. Today, Franklin's story serves as a reminder of the human spirit's relentless quest for knowledge and the enduring mysteries of our world. His legacy lives on through the countless books, documentaries, and studies dedicated to unraveling the enigma of his life and expeditions. Franklin's name remains synonymous with exploration and the unyielding pursuit of the unknown.