The Search for the North West Passage

Brian Margetson


Region:
South West
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Semi Professional
Fee:
Paid: £50 to £90 depending on distance
Category:
History
Updated:
26th January 2023

Let me tell you about the North West Passage, and the story of its exploration. The booming trade with the far east, spurred on by the Industrial Revolution had one major pitfall, to break out of the Atlantic Ocean and reach the far east (before the Suez or Panama Canals existed) required a hazardous and lengthy voyage around the Cape of Good Hope.

Discover how a succession of brave explorers attempted to discover a shorter sea route around the top of Canada. The final link in this "North West Passage" remained elusive. Hear how two expeditions, a state sponsored affair led by Franklin, and a private venture led by John Rae, achieved vastly different outcomes. In typical Victorian fashion, the villain reaped fame and the hero infamy.

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About Brian Margetson

Having spent my career designing buildings, but have now semi-retired. I have always been fascinated by mysteries, and tales of discovery.

I also love business, and the unique blend of economics, sociology and commerce it brings together. Above all, I enjoy social history, industrial archaeology and architecture.

I enjoy giving talks and strongly believe any subject can be fascinating if well researched and presented. In order to widen the potential number of audiences I speak to, I am constantly researching and preparing new topics. I like to think my talks can appeal to a wide variety of audiences. I have been giving talks on a variety of subjects for 30 years.


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