Thomas Batton Navigator Country: Great Britain

1. Thomas Button: Explorer of the Northwest Passage
2. Northwest Passage Expedition
3. Exploration of Hudson Bay
4. Disaster on the Northwest Passage
5. Return and Legacy

Thomas Button: Explorer of the Northwest Passage

Thomas Button, a Welsh nobleman's son, embarked on his naval career at a young age. He commanded the pinnace "Moon" during the Spanish Armada's invasions of Ireland in 1588, 1589, and 1601, earning the Queen's gratitude and a pension of six shillings and eight pence for his service.

Northwest Passage Expedition

In 1612, Button joined the Company of London Merchants Discoverers of the Northwest Passage. Hoping to find a profitable trade route to Asia, the company outfitted two ships, the "Resolution" and the "Discovery," under Button's command. However, their primary mission was not to search for the missing Henry Hudson, as claimed, but to find a route to the Eastern Ocean at latitude 58°.

Exploration of Hudson Bay

Button sailed into Hudson Strait and named Resolution Island after his ship. He discovered Southampton Island to the north and Cape Comfort. He charted the western shore of Hudson Bay, discovering the mouth of the Nelson River. Turning east at its head, he named the land "Hope's Check."

Disaster on the Northwest Passage

Button's ships wintered at the mouth of the Nelson River, and many sailors died from scurvy. With too few men to sail two ships, they abandoned one. Button returned north in 1613, following the western shore, where he discovered the Churchill River. He reached latitude 65° North, where he found a bay or strait leading further north, which he named Kes InGa ("No Further").

Return and Legacy

Returning to England in 1613, Button delivered disappointing news to the Company of London Merchants. He had failed to find a passage to China. Though he never returned to Canada, Button continued his naval service. In 1616, he was knighted. He died in 1634, leaving behind a legacy as a skilled explorer who ventured into uncharted territories.