Shackleton's Hope Cross Has a New Home in Dundee
Undertaking a three-month Journey to Dundee on the RRS David Attenborough
The Shackleton Cross, a significant artefact from Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition, has recently made a remarkable journey of 7,000 miles to Dundee, Scotland. This iconic cross was originally erected on the uninhabited Elephant Island in 1916 as a tribute to the members of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition who perished during their perilous journey. Crafted from wood and metal, the cross served as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by the crew and their enduring spirit in the face of adversity. The wooden cross remained at King Edward Point, South Georgia, near Grytviken, for almost a century before a replica was installed in 2018 to safeguard the original memorial from weather damage.
Shackleton’s expedition is one of the most storied in polar exploration. In 1914, the Endurance set sail with the aim of crossing Antarctica, but the ship became trapped in pack ice, leading to a harrowing survival journey. After months of hardship, Shackleton and a small team made the treacherous journey to Elephant Island, where they erected the cross to honour their fallen comrades before embarking on a rescue mission. This act of remembrance symbolised hope and resilience amid the brutality of the Antarctic environment.
The cross remained on Elephant Island for decades, enduring the harsh weather conditions of the region. It was eventually recovered in 2016 as part of a conservation project, marking the centenary of Shackleton’s journey. After extensive restoration, the cross has now made its way to Dundee, where it is being showcased to commemorate the legacy of the expedition and educate visitors about the challenges faced by early explorers. The city is also home to the RRS Discovery, the famous ship used by Captain Scott in his own Antarctic endeavours, further linking Dundee to the history of polar exploration.
The arrival of the Shackleton Cross in Dundee has sparked renewed interest in Shackleton’s extraordinary story and the sacrifices made during the expedition. It serves not only as a historical artefact but also as an inspiration for resilience and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. The display of the cross is expected to attract visitors from far and wide, inviting them to engage with the incredible narrative of human determination and survival in one of the planet’s most unforgiving environments.