Profession: Explorer

Why Famous: Cook explored thousands of miles across largely uncharted areas of the globe, surveying, recording and naming features for the first time.



This included large parts of the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.



He had a unique combination of seamanship, surveying and cartographic skills, physical courage and leadership.

Born: October 27, 1728

Birthplace: Marton, Yorkshire, England

Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: February 14, 1779 (aged 50)

Cause of Death: Killed in a fight with Hawaiians

