Shackleton's Hope Cross
In collaboration with South Georgia Heritage Trust, the original Hope Cross from Ernest Shackleton’s memorial cairn in Grytviken, South Georgia, is now on display at Discovery Point; home of the Royal Research Ship Discovery.
Following Shackleton’s untimely passing in January 1922, his Quest crew members built a memorial cairn at Hope Point, overlooking Grytviken whaling station. The Hope Cross, crafted from wood salvaged from an old whaling station, was erected atop the cairn.
After almost 100 years of weathering the elements, the Cross was replaced in order to preserve this poignant artefact. Now, the Cross is on display and being cared for at Discovery Point, after being transported to the UK by the British Antarctic Survey, aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
Thank you to every one of our supporters who backed our fundraising campaign for the Hope Cross. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The story of the Hope Cross
Sir Ernest Shackleton passes away aboard the Quest, in January 1922
In May 1922, the crew of the Quest build the memorial cairn at Hope Point, Grytviken South Georgia
In 2018, the Hope Cross is removed in order to preserve it, after weathering the elements for almost a century
A replica Cross is erected in 2021, with the original Hope Cross in storage to protect it
In 2024, preparations begin for the journey from South Georgia to the UK
The original Hope Cross is loaded aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough and makes its way to the UK
Dundee Heritage Trust launch a fundraising appeal to build a fitting display for the Hope Cross in Dundee and to pay respects to one of the world's most famous Polar explorers
The Hope Cross is installed in its new home at Discovery Point, for thousands of visitors to see
Our collaborators
With many thanks to the Government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands, South Georgia Heritage Trust and South Georgia Museum for entrusting Dundee Heritage Trust with the care and display of the Hope Cross.
Thank you to British Antarctic Survey for transporting the Hope Cross on its 7,000 mile journey aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
Supporters of the Hope Cross
With grateful thanks to:
- The South Georgia Association
- Falkland Maritime Heritage Trust
- The James Caird Society
- Jan Chojecki
- Friends of Dundee Heritage Trust
- Shackleton Technologies
- Loganair
- A number of private donors and supporters
No one grudged the labour and time spent, for it was the last job we should do for the Boss
Header image (c) PA Media / Alamy Stock
