A Tudor voyage of exploration - a unprecedented tale of bold, discovery, tragedy and pioneering achievement.

In the spring of 1553 3 ships sailed north-east from London into uncharted waters. the size in their ambition used to be breathtaking. Drawing at the most recent navigational technology and the recent spirit of company and discovery sweeping the Tudor capital, they sought a northern passage to Asia and its riches.

The good fortune of the excursion trusted its leaders: Sir Hugh Willoughby, a courageous gentleman soldier, and Richard Chancellor, an excellent younger scientist and sensible guy of the ocean. whilst their ships turned separated in a hurricane, each one needed to fend for himself. Their fates have been sharply divided. One back to England, to recount notable stories of the imperial court docket of Tsar Ivan the bad. The tragic, mysterious tale of the opposite ships needs to be pieced jointly during the surviving captain's log ebook, after he and his staff grew to become misplaced and trapped by means of the advancing Arctic winter.

This long-neglected endeavour was once one of many boldest in British background, and its influence was once profound. even though the 'merchant adventurers' did not succeed in China as that they had was hoping, their achievements might lay the principles for England's growth on a world level. As James Evans' bright account exhibits, their voyage additionally makes for a gripping tale of bold, discovery, tragedy and adventure.