Ice! Exploring the Far South; Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby 2023 250th Anniversary of the first crossing of the Antarctic Circle

Many extra articles of food were intended to protect men from scurvy on the long voyage, including "malt, sour-krout, salted cabbage, portable broth, saloup, mustard, marmalade of carrots, and inspissated juice of wort and beer."

The voyage lasted three years and eighteen days. Cook lost four men - and just one of those to illness. The cause of scurvy, vitamin C deficiency, was not known until the early 20th century, but Cook's success in countering the disease led to the Royal Society awarding him the prestigious Copley medal.

The Antarctic Muse; Singing and composing sea shanties had long been a popular sailor's pastime. Thomas Perry, an able seaman on Resolution, composed one detailing their Antarctic experiences.

The Resolution Returns

1. It is now my brave boys we are clear of the Ice
And keep a good heart if you’ll take my advice
We are out of the cold my brave boys do not fear
For the Cape of Good Hope with good hearts we do steer

6. We are hearty and well and of good constitution
We have ranged the Globe round in the brave Resolution
Brave Captain Cook he was our Commander
Has conducted the ship from all eminent danger

7. We were all hearty seamen no cold did we fear
And we have from all sickness entirely stayed clear
Thanks be to the Captain he has been so good
Amongst all the Islands to give us good food