An 18th Century Voyage of Discovery
This is a voyage of discovery. If you take it you may
find out some surprising facts.
As you take the voyage you may wish to read the pages on Woodes Rogers,
'Robinson Crusoe', the Slave Trade, the Goldney family and Ironbridge.
Reading these pages will help you discover the connections between the
topics.
After completing the voyage, you may have many questions which need
answers. The Questions and Evidence section
will look at evidence to help you answer your questions and may lead
you to further investigation.
Two ships, the Duke and Dutchess, set out from Bristol on a privateering voyage
On the voyage they find a sailor, Alexander Selkirk, who has been marooned on an island for four years and four months
Read the story of Alexander
Selkirk, the inspiration for "Robinson Crusoe"
On the voyage the crew plunder Spanish ships some of which are carrying 'negro' slaves
Read about the link between
the Duke and Dutchess's voyages and slavery
The ships return to England making the shareholders of the voyage very rich
The money is used to expand the owners estates and to fund the expansion of the iron works at Coalbrookdale, Shropshire
Now read 'Questions and Evidence' to look
at evidence to help you answer your questions and which may lead you to
further investigation.
