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Robert FitzroyBritish Navy officer, meteorologist
Date of Birth: 05.07.1805
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Naval Career
- Captain of the "Beagle"
- FitzRoy's First Voyage
- The Voyage of the "Beagle"
- FitzRoy's Controversies
- The Fuegian Mission
- Surveying the Pacific
- Diplomatic Achievements
- Arrival in New Zealand
- Return to England
- Religious Beliefs and Scientific Views
- Political Career
- Governor of New Zealand
- Legacy
Early Life and Naval Career
Robert FitzRoy, a British naval officer and meteorologist, was born on July 5, 1805, at Ampton Hall in Suffolk. A descendant of King Charles II, he was distantly related to royalty but did not inherit a dukedom. Through his mother, Frances Anne Stewart, he had ties to the Marquises of Londonderry.
In February 1818, FitzRoy entered the Royal Naval College in Portsmouth. He began his naval career in 1819 as a midshipman on the ship "Owen Glendower" and subsequently served on the "Hynd" and "Phetida." As a lieutenant, he served on Admiral Otway's flagship, the "Ganges."
Captain of the "Beagle"
In October 1828, FitzRoy was appointed captain of the "Beagle," a 235-ton hydrographic expedition ship under the command of Phillip Parker King. The "Beagle" was tasked with charting the southern coast of South America.
FitzRoy's First Voyage
During his first independent voyage as captain, FitzRoy embarked on a distinctive humanitarian mission. Desiring to elevate the local population and improve their morals, he brought four Fuegians aboard his ship. His intention was to educate them in England and return them to their homeland, hoping that they would spread civilization among their tribes.
The Voyage of the "Beagle"
After returning from his first voyage, FitzRoy was recommended for the leadership of the next expedition by Captain King. Despite the Admiralty's initial reluctance to continue the survey of the Fuegian coast, FitzRoy managed to secure support from the Admiralty and the Missionary Society.
On July 4, 1831, the "Beagle" was once again under FitzRoy's command. This time, its mission was expanded to include a circumnavigation of the globe and further cartographic surveys. Notable among the crew was Charles Darwin, a recent Cambridge graduate who had been recruited as an expedition naturalist.
FitzRoy's Controversies
During the voyage of the "Beagle," FitzRoy faced several controversies. He hired auxiliary schooners without seeking permission from the Admiralty, leading to accusations of violating instructions. He also purchased a sealing schooner with his own funds to aid in the expedition, but later had to sell it due to financial constraints.
The Fuegian Mission
One of FitzRoy's initiatives was to establish a Christian mission in Tierra del Fuego. However, this endeavor proved unsuccessful as the Fuegians gradually reverted to their traditional lifestyle after returning to their homeland.
Surveying the Pacific
After completing their work in South America, the expedition sailed northward along the Pacific coast. FitzRoy faced mounting stress and depression as he struggled with the challenges of the expedition, including the sale of the schooner and disagreements with the Admiralty. He temporarily relinquished command to Lieutenant Wickham.
Diplomatic Achievements
In Tahiti, FitzRoy successfully negotiated the payment of a debt owed to Britain and acknowledged the islanders' counterclaim. He also answered their questions on legal matters, some of which were subsequently adopted as laws on the island.
Arrival in New Zealand
The expedition reached New Zealand in December 1835. FitzRoy's interactions with local missionaries during this visit would later influence his actions as the colony's governor.
Return to England
The "Beagle" returned to Falmouth on October 2, 1836, concluding a highly successful expedition. FitzRoy received accolades for his achievements, including a gold medal from the Royal Society. He published a four-volume account of the voyage in 1839, which included Darwin's "Voyage of a Naturalist."
Religious Beliefs and Scientific Views
FitzRoy's religious beliefs were evident in his scientific writings. He believed in the literal accuracy of the Bible, including the account of the Great Flood, and sought scientific evidence to support his theories.
Political Career
In 1841, FitzRoy was elected to Parliament for Durham as a Tory candidate. He promoted legislation for mandatory examinations for merchant ship captains and mates.
Governor of New Zealand
In 1843, FitzRoy was appointed Governor of New Zealand. While he had humanitarian intentions, he faced challenges in managing relations between the British settlers and the indigenous Maori people.
Legacy
Robert FitzRoy's contributions to naval exploration, meteorology, and colonial governance left a lasting legacy. He was a skilled navigator and scientist, as well as a compassionate advocate for indigenous peoples.
