Researching famous people with connections to Lewisham led us to conclude that Ernest Shackleton is probably the best-known figure.
Ernest Henry Shackleton (1874–1922) was an Antarctic explorer. He is one of the main characters in the so called ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’, which dates from the late nineteenth century to the end of World War One.
Shackleton was born on 15 February 1874 in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland. At the age of ten, he moved with his large family to Sydenham, Lewisham. He was educated at Fir Lodge Preparatory School and then Dulwich College.
Upon leaving school Shackleton became an officer in the Merchant Navy, which led to him eventually qualifying as a master mariner.
From 1901 to 1903 Shackleton made his name as an Antarctic explorer though taking a prominent role in the Discovery Expedition, an official British exploration of the Antarctic regions, led by Royal Navy officer Robert Falcon Scott.
From 1907 to 1909 Shakleton led the Nimrod Expedition. This ground-breaking expedition set a new ‘farthest south’ record, reaching just 97 miles from the South Pole, whilst also achieving many other firsts and conducting important scientific research. Also, incredibly, no lives were lost.
One of the most celebrated quotes about Shakleton is by fellow Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley. It speaks to the high regard Shakleton was held in for coping with difficult situations.
“For scientific discovery give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton.”
Following the Nimrod Expedition, Shackleton became a public hero in Britain and around the world. He received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list in November 1909, becoming Sir Ernest Shackleton. In the years that followed he conducted extensive lecture tours around the world.
Shackleton went on to lead the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914 to 1917 and finally the Shackleton–Rowett Expedition from 1921 to 1922. It was on this last expedition that he eventually succumbed to ill health and died of a heart attack at the age of forty-seven.
Shackleton’s legacy has loomed large since his death, with countless books and films about his life. Unfortunately not all the quotes attributed to him are genuine. This job advert he supposedly ran in the newspapers is an example of a historical myth.
“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.”
Shackleton’s courage and endurance are very impressive. He is especially well-known for his leadership, resilience, and survival skills. There are many popularly remembered quotes from Shackleton about determination, optimism, and perseverance in the face of adversity. In particular, since his death, the world of business has really embraced Shackleton quotes. This preponderance of Shackleton quotes on office walls could be seen as not the most appropriate, given Shackleton was speaking as an Antarctic explorer, not a business man.
Whilst Shackleton was not a man without flaws, we agree that his incredible achievements should be remembered. But we also feel that there are many other people connected with Lewisham similarly deserving of remembrance. This is why you will find Shackleton is far from the only Lewisham related person we pay tribute to here.
Our favourite Shackleton quote is a simple one of optimism we think most people could relate to, because you do not need to be an Antarctic explorer to experience great adversity.
“Difficulties are just things to overcome after all.”