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Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: 'Sir Martin Frobisher The Nort…
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: 'Sir Martin Frobisher The North West Passage'
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: 'Sir Martin Frobisher The Nort…
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: 'Sir Martin Frobisher The North West Passage'

Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: 'Sir Martin Frobisher The North West Passage'

Associated (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)
DateMay 2004
Object NameMedal
MediumSterling Silver
ClassificationsMedals
Dimensions44mm
AcquisitionPresented in 2004 by Dr Joan M Burrell.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072500.4
About MeSir Martin Frobisher, a Yorkshireman, made three voyages between 1576 and 1578, to try to discover a north west passage from European waters to those of the Orient. Although he failed, his resolution in pursuit of his quest was outstanding. In 1576 he reached what is now known as Frobisher Bay, in Baffin Land and his landing there is commemorated on this medal. The following year he brought home, from the same region, a cargo of 'blacke stone' which was thought to contain gold, but which proved disappointing. In 1568 he landed in southern Greenland and made further discoveries. After returning home, he turned to other pursuits, the Company of Cathay, which he served, having been dissolved.

In 1585 Frobisher served as Drake's vice-admiral in an expedition to the West Indies. Three years later, when the Spanish Armada was in the Channel, Frobisher, flying his flag in the galleon Triumph, was knighted for his prowess in action by Lord Howard of Effingham the Commander-in-Chief. He died of a wound suffered during an expedition to Brest in 1594.

Frobisher was a professional seaman in the fullest sense of the term. Without much formal education, rough-tongued, of a fiery temper, but of exceptional experience, capability and courage, Frobisher was a natural leader of men. This was notably shown during the harsh conditions which obtained during his three adventurous voyages in far northern waters, when his authority was maintained in spite of many difficulties.

The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.