James Cook bronze plaque

This bronze commemorative plaque records: Captain James Cook RN FRS 1728-1779. James Cook, circumnavigator and explorer, attended this school which was founded by Michael Postgate in 1704. Whilst in Great Ayton James Cook lived at Aireyholme Farm on the slopes of Roseberry Topping where his father worked for Thomas Skottowe Lord of the Manor. Cook left Great Ayton in 1745 for Staithes, subsequently becoming apprenticed to John Walker, ship owner of Whitby. This plaque showing the young Cook leaving Great Ayton was executed by Nicholas Dimbleby and erected by the Captain Cook Schoolroom Trust in 1997 Recorded plaque organisation: Captain Cook Schoolroom Trust.

Captain James Cook FRS RN (1728-1779) was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer renowned for his three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, which significantly expanded European knowledge of the region. His expeditions led to the mapping of numerous islands and coastlines, including Australia and New Zealand, making him one of the most significant navigators of the 18th century.