Merchant Adventurers

A Tudor voyage of exploration - an extraordinary story of daring, discovery, tragedy and pioneering achievement.

In the spring of 1553 three ships sailed north-east from London into uncharted waters. The scale of their ambition was breathtaking. Drawing on the latest navigational science and the new spirit of enterprise and discovery sweeping the Tudor capital, they sought a northern passage to Asia and its riches.

The success of the expedition depended on its two leaders: Sir Hugh Willoughby, a brave gentleman soldier, and Richard Chancellor, a brilliant young scientist and practical man of the sea. When their ships became separated in a storm, each had to fend for himself. Their fates were sharply divided. One returned to England, to recount extraordinary tales of the imperial court of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The tragic, mysterious story of the other two ships has to be pieced together through the surviving captain's log book, after he and his crew became lost and trapped by the advancing Arctic winter.

This long-neglected endeavour was one of the boldest in British history, and its impact was profound. Although the 'merchant adventurers' failed to reach China as they had hoped, their achievements would lay the foundations for England's expansion on a global stage. As James Evans' vivid account shows, their voyage also makes for a gripping story of daring, discovery, tragedy and adventure.

“This is the fascinating story of a forgotten few whose deeds had an important long-term impact on Britain's history - GOOD BOOK GUIDELooking for a short-cut sea route, in 1553 they commissioned Sir Hugh Willoughby and Richard Chancellor to voyage in search of a northeast passage through the Arctic to Asia. Their venture was, says Evans, one of the boldest in English history as a significant turning point in English economic and cultural development. It's also a good story, well told - THE TIMESThis is the fascinating story of a forgotten few whose deeds had an important long-term impact on Britain's history - LITERARY REVIEW”

This is the fascinating story of a forgotten few whose deeds had an important long-term impact on Britain's history - GOOD BOOK GUIDE

Looking for a short-cut sea route, in 1553 they commissioned Sir Hugh Willoughby and Richard Chancellor to voyage in search of a northeast passage through the Arctic to Asia. Their venture was, says Evans, one of the boldest in English history as a significant turning point in English economic and cultural development. It's also a good story, well told - THE TIMES

This is the fascinating story of a forgotten few whose deeds had an important long-term impact on Britain's history - LITERARY REVIEW

James Evans did a PhD at Oriel College, Oxford, following a first-class Masters in Historical Research. He has worked as a producer on various historical television documentaries, including Dan Cruickshank's Hidden Houses (BBC2), Niall Ferguson's Western Civilisation (C4), Griff Rhys Jones's Rivers (BBC1) and Michael Wood's English Story (BBC2), for which he also contributed to the accompanying book. He lives in London.

A Tudor voyage of exploration - an extraordinary story of daring, discovery, tragedy and pioneering achievement. In the spring of 1553 three ships sailed north-east from London into uncharted waters. The scale of their ambition was breathtaking. Drawing on the latest navigational science and the new spirit of enterprise and discovery sweeping the Tudor capital, they sought a northern passage to Asia and its riches.The success of the expedition depended on its two leaders: Sir Hugh Willoughby, a brave gentleman soldier, and Richard Chancellor, a brilliant young scientist and practical man of the sea. When their ships became separated in a storm, each had to fend for himself. Their fates were sharply divided. One returned to England, to recount extraordinary tales of the imperial court of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The tragic, mysterious story of the other two ships has to be pieced together through the surviving captain's log book, after he and his crew became lost and trapped by the advancing Arctic winter.This long-neglected endeavour was one of the boldest in British history, and its impact was profound. Although the 'merchant adventurers' failed to reach China as they had hoped, their achievements would lay the foundations for England's expansion on a global stage. As James Evans' vivid account shows, their voyage also makes for a gripping story of daring, discovery, tragedy and adventure.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.