1460

Henry the Navigator

Prince. Born in Porto, Portugal. Son of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, John of Gaunt's daughter. His soubriquet is misleading, as he did most of his 'navigating' from dry land rather than on board a ship. He did some actual exploring along the coast of West Africa in search of the legendary kingdom of Prester John. In 1420 he was appointed governor of the Order of Christ, the Portuguese equivalent of the Knights Templar. His patronage of exploration resulted in the discovery of the Azores and the Madeira and Cape Verde Islands. Died at Sagres.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Henry the Navigator

Commemorated ati

Henry the Navigator statue

The origin of the statue is mysterious, as it was erected more than fifty yea...

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Other Subjects

William Heather

Role on the lost expedition: Royal marine on SS Terror. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

Willliam Colbeck

Explorer. Born at 8 Myton Place, Hull. He made several expeditions to Antarctica, including one which convinced him of the best route to the south pole. This was later followed by Roald Amundsen, w...

Person, Exploring, Arctic & Antarctic

1 memorial

Thomas Armitage

Role on the lost expedition: Petty officer on SS Terror. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

John Downing

Role on the lost expedition: Petty officer on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

William Moorcroft

Pioneer veterinary surgeon, Asian explorer. Born Lancashire. First Englishman to qualify as a vet, in France, during a revolution. He set up in practice in Oxford Street, creating a horse hosp...

Person, Animals, Exploring, Medicine, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet, Uzbekistan

1 memorial