An Ulverston school is hosting a free screening of a documentary retracing the journey its namesake took through Vietnam and China in 1793.
Sir John Barrow travelled to the Far East as part of Britain’s first trade embassy. He learned Chinese and studied daily life at the Imperial Palace.
An English geographer, linguist, writer and civil servant, he also served as the Second Secretary to the Admiralty from 1804 until 1845.
He was one of the founding fellows of the Royal Geographical Society in 1830, which was set up as an institution to promote the advancement of geographical science.
The film, Voyage East will be screened at Sir John Barrow Primary School on Friday, June 19.
It was made by Steve Wharton, who followed Sir John’s journey last year.
He said his documentary Voyage East brought Sir John’s account to life while also providing a window on modern China.
He said: “It’s exciting to know I have stood in the same places as John Barrow did, thousands of miles from home and separated by over two centuries.
“It’s fulfilling to bring the film highlighting his achievements back to our hometown to inspire others to be curious about his life and interests.
“I really hope this can be the start of regular celebrations to honour the Ulverston lad who became the father of modern polar exploration and co-founder of the Royal Geographical Society.”
Free tickets for the screening at Sir John Barrow School are available at https://www.tinyurl.com/sjbfilm
