Of all the names that appear on the list of greats in the history of Australian exploration, none has been more glamourised than James Cook. As a result of him being given almost Godlike status by historians, governments, teachers and students, the majority of Australians actually believe Captain Cook discovered Australia during his first voyage of 1768-71, to the South Pacific aboard HM Bark Endeavour. They of course are wrong on two counts. For a start, when he made his voyage of discovery to Australia, his rank was Lieutenant, not Captain, and then there is the evidence that indicates his discoveries may well have been re-discoveries, made some 200 years after the first visit.
The ship chosen for Cook's expedition was the Endeavor Bark, a former Whitby-built east coast collier that had been refitted for the expedition. Although only 32 metres long and measuring 3 metres at her greatest width, the former Earl of Pembroke was roomy, sturdy and broad-bottomed and proved to be well able to withstand the rigors of the voyage. Besides, Cook would have been very familiar with that type of vessel, which was in common useage in the area where he grew up. There is every chance that he may have already been familiar with it.
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