Henry Hudson's Daring Exploits

Introduction

Henry Hudson
Born around 1575, died around 1611

Henry Hudson's last voyage Copyright/Source

Henry Hudson made four journeys that are recorded in the history books, and is credited as the European discoverer of Hudson Bay. He is also remembered for the sad end of his last voyage. Most of his crew mutinied against him, leaving Hudson, his son and several other crewmembers to die in the bay that is now named after him.

Left to Die
Hudson wanted to continue his search for a route to Asia. His crew wanted to go home. When the ship became locked in the ice, they were forced to suffer a dreadful winter in the bay. They did not have enough food or warm clothes. To make matters worse, when spring came, Hudson told the hungry crew that he would be continuing his search. This was too much. In June 1611, 14 months after leaving England, the crew mutinied. Hudson, his 19-year-old son, and a few crew members were set adrift in a small boat. They were given a kettle, a musket and no food. They were never heard from again.

	Robert Bylot, one of the mutineers, was sent to search for Hudson and the Northwest Passage the following year.