During a late 2005 training week in London, my schedule was packed, leaving little time for sightseeing, even for historical explorations like following Captain Cook’s journeys. However, the training venue at Clifford’s Inn unexpectedly placed me steps away from a location deeply connected to Cook: the Mitre Tavern on Fleet Street.
On April 18th, 1776, the Mitre Tavern hosted a significant dinner party attended by James Boswell, Sir John Pringle, Dr Solander, Joseph Banks, and other luminaries of the Royal Society. Boswell notably sat beside Captain Cook, who, in a moment of candor, admitted the limitations of their understanding of South Sea Islands cultures. Cook confessed that observations beyond the tangible were uncertain due to language barriers, suggesting interpretations of religion, governance, or traditions could be flawed. This insightful moment is documented in Cook’s Log.
The Mitre Tavern, though no longer standing, was a notable establishment on Fleet Street, historically significant as London’s hub for printing and journalism. Its connection to Captain Cook adds another layer to Fleet Street’s rich tapestry. To further explore the area’s history, John Rocque’s 1746 map of London provides a detailed view of Fleet Street, Clifford’s Inn, and the Mitre Tavern’s location. This map, available on CD from Motco Enterprises, offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century London and the geography relevant to both legal professionals at Clifford’s Inn and historical figures like Captain Cook frequenting Fleet Street establishments.
This brief encounter with Fleet Street revealed a tangible link to Captain Cook, illustrating how even in the busiest of schedules, historical discoveries can be found in unexpected corners of London. For those interested in delving deeper into London’s historical maps, resources like Rocque’s map offer valuable insights.
