“The ship, probably the Terror, was very neat and orderly, but the Inuit descended into the darkness of the hull with their seal-oil lamps, where they found a tall dead man in an inner cabin.” — The Guardian, 2009
After years of tantalizing clues found in the ice and stories told by indigenous Arctic people of men freezing to death, it appears that one of two ships from Sir John Franklin’s expedition to chart the Northwest Passage has finally been found.
Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) “the man who ate his boots” became a subject of interest to this blog for having married the Regency poet Eleanor Anne Porden. She was his first wife, urging him not to linger while she was dying of tuberculosis, but instead to follow his dreams on the sea.
She was spared the agony of his disappearance. That would be reserved for Sir Franklin’s second wife.
Jane Griffin (1791-1875) was a good friend of Eleanor’s and a part of Regency London’s scholarly set. She had no inclination of who her future husband might be, but one Dr. Peter Mark Roget had made quite an impression on her. He was, she once said, “the only man to make me swoon.”
In 1828 she married her friend’s widowed husband and soon after became Lady Franklin upon his knighthood. His travels took her to places as far away as Australia, arousing her keen interest in its colonies, particularly for the condition of female convicts who’d been transported there.
When Sir Franklin embarked on his ill-fated expedition to navigate icy Arctic waters, she supported him unreservedly. When he failed to return, she made certain no one would forget him. Because of her tireless effort to discover his fate, the charting of the Northwest Passage occurred a good deal sooner than it otherwise might have. She sponsored seven expeditions in all.
And now my burden it gives me pain
For my long-lost Franklin I would cross the main
Ten thousand pounds I would freely give
To know on earth, that my Franklin do live— Lady Franklin’s Lament
It was by land the answer was eventually determined. Scotsman John Rae, an Arctic explorer familiar with the Inuit and their territories, found definite evidence of Franklin’s demise. His report mentioned cannibalism, shocking Victorian society.
Lady Franklin refused to believe her husband had been a part of an act so heinous and so she turned her efforts toward the messenger bearing such bad news. She made certain no one would remember him.
WOW! He must have been quite the Regency man.
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Eleanor had to work on him a bit before Jane got him. Thanks for stopping by!
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It’s so good to be back Angie! (Can I call you Angie?)
Another fab post, this one’s got it all! Adventure at sea, tragic love, women’s prisons, the man who ate his boots, the man who ate–uh…other dudes…
Seems like the kind of story HBO would make into a series then get most of the facts wrong. Mark my words…then cringe!
If I were anywhere near alcohol I would hoist my champagne flute and intone, “Here’s to the only men who make us swoon!” I know it’s a bit Stilton but also an inalienable right we all deserve! (Imagine a dopey grin as I think about Mr. Blog Hostess.)
Sorry I’ve been so MIA, my dear! Shan’t happen ’til the Holidays, I promise!
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Mr. Blog Hostess deserves his own salute, I’ll wager. I’ve missed you terribly!
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aw…it’s sweet of you to say! cheers*
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Do you know if he’s the upper crust British Arctic explorer who left a diary? Whoever it was was lampooned deliciously in the AngloFiles, a fabulous book. Such interesting stuff. Thanks, Angelyn.
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I’ve heard about that diary but there’s been so many hypotheses about the lost expedition based on relics that have been found over the years. Who on the crew might have carried the book The Vicar of Wakefield on his person, I wonder?
Thanks for coming by, Cheryl!
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Um, Sir John Franklin should be referred to as Sir John, never as Sir Franklin, even though it is correct to address his wife as Lady Franklin. She is not, however, to be addressed as Lady Jane unless she has a courtesy title through her father.
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All I can say is, “Doh!”
Thanks for the comment and for stopping by, Martha!
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