William Dampier

Explorer

Birthday September 1, 1651

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace England

DEATH DATE Mar 1, 1715 (63)

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About

English explorer who traveled to Australia and circumnavigated the globe three times. His book A New Voyage Round the World was a major hit at the time it was released in 1697.

Before Fame

He wrote a book called A New Voyage Round the World that so impressed high-ranking British Navy officers that he was made the commander of a Royal Navy ship that traveled to western Australia.

Trivia

He orchestrated the rescue of Alexander Selkirk, an event that may have inspired author Daniel Defoe's famous novel, Robinson Crusoe.

Family Life

He was born in Somerset, England, and he studied in his youth at King's School, Bruton.

Associated With

He and Sir Walter Raleigh were both important English explorers.