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Ernest Shackleton
Historical Figures
Ernest Shackleton
The British explorer who led the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and survived against incredible odds.
Born
1874
Died
1922
Nationality
British
Profession
Explorer
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 10 key moments that shaped Ernest Shackleton's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1874
1874-02-15
Birth
Born in Kilkea, County Kildare
•Age 0•Kilkea, Ireland
Ernest Henry Shackleton was born to Henry Shackleton and Henrietta Letitia Sophia Gavan in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland. His father was a doctor who later moved the family to London.
1884
Personal
Moves to London, England
•Age 10•London, England
The Shackleton family moves to London, where Ernest's father decides to pursue a career in medicine, setting the stage for Ernest's future maritime and exploration endeavors.
1890
Career
Joins Merchant Navy
•Age 16•London, England
At the age of 16, Shackleton joins the Merchant Navy, beginning his career at sea and developing the skills that would later serve him in polar exploration.
1901
Career
Joins Scott's Discovery Expedition
•Age 27•Antarctica
Shackleton is selected as a junior officer for Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic, his first foray into polar exploration.
1909
Achievement
Reaches Farthest South
•Age 35•Antarctica
Shackleton leads the Nimrod Expedition, reaching a new Farthest South record of 88°23'S, just 97 nautical miles from the South Pole, and discovers the Beardmore Glacier.
1914
Milestone
Launches Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
•Age 40•Antarctica
Shackleton sets out on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, aiming to be the first to cross the Antarctic continent. The expedition becomes one of the greatest survival stories in history.
1916
Achievement
Rescues Crew from Elephant Island
•Age 42•Elephant Island, Antarctica
After the Endurance is crushed by ice, Shackleton leads a small party in a lifeboat to South Georgia, then returns to rescue the remaining crew stranded on Elephant Island.
1918
Career
Serves in World War I
•Age 44•South America
Shackleton serves in the British Army during World War I, working in intelligence and diplomatic roles, including a mission to South America to support British interests.
1921
Career
Embarks on Quest Expedition
•Age 47•Antarctica
Shackleton launches the Quest Expedition, aiming to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent. The expedition is marred by his failing health.
1922
1922-01-05
Death
Dies on South Georgia
•Age 47•South Georgia
Ernest Shackleton dies of a heart attack while his ship is anchored at South Georgia. He is buried on the island, where he remains to this day.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Ernest Shackleton a legendary figure.
1
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
2
Endurance expedition
3
Leadership in extreme conditions
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Cultural & Historical Context
British
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