“Bellot” is the single word inscribed on the base of the obelisk facing the river. Today, we’re standing before the Bellot Memorial Obelisk. It is a monument to honor a French naval officer. His name was Joseph-René Bellot. The Bellot Memorial commemorates his bravery and sacrifice.
Bellot’s story is intertwined with that of Sir John Franklin. Franklin was a British Arctic explorer. In 1845, Franklin led an expedition to find the Northwest Passage. This expedition, aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, disappeared.
Lady Jane Franklin, Sir John’s wife, launched many search expeditions. She wanted to find her husband and his crew. Joseph-René Bellot joined two of these expeditions. He was a lieutenant in the French Navy. Bellot’s courage and dedication impressed many. People admired his willingness to risk his life for others.
During one of these searches, Bellot tragically died. He was carrying dispatches when ice disrupted. This happened in the Wellington Channel in 1853. Bellot’s death was a great loss.
News of Bellot’s sacrifice resonated deeply in Britain. The British public admired his bravery. They decided to erect a memorial in his honor. This is the Bellot Memorial Obelisk you see before you.
Sir Roderick Murchison led the effort to create this memorial. Public donations funded the project. The initial plan was to build the memorial in Bellot’s hometown. His hometown was Rochefort, France. But Rochefort was already planning a memorial. So, Greenwich was chosen as the location.
The location of the Bellot Memorial was chosen carefully. It shows respect for Bellot. It also symbolizes the bond between Britain and France. The monument stands on the bank of the Thames. It reminds everyone of the mutual goodwill between the two nations.
The Bellot Memorial Obelisk is made of Aberdeen granite. The obelisk stands on a grass mound. The copper plate bears an inscription. It reads: “To the intrepid young Bellot of the French navy who in the endeavour to rescue Franklin shared the fate and the glory of that illustrious navigator. From his British admirers, 1853.”
Interestingly, the funds raised exceeded the cost of the memorial. The remaining money was given to Bellot’s sisters. Napoleon III, the French Emperor, also granted an annuity to Bellot’s family.
Bellot is remembered in other ways. A channel of water in the Arctic is named Bellot Strait. He had explored this area with William Kennedy. It is a testament to his explorations.
The Bellot Memorial Obelisk was completed in 1856. A painting of the memorial by George Chambers Junior appeared in the “Illustrated London News.” The painting captures the scene with the memorial. It shows the iron railings being installed.
Lieutenant Bellot’s last letter expressed his dedication. He wrote that he was quitting life in the performance of a mission of peril and honour. He preferred to die at his post. His words encapsulate his spirit.
So, as you stand before the Bellot Memorial Obelisk, remember Joseph-René Bellot. Remember his courage. Remember his dedication to helping others. This memorial stands as a symbol of Anglo-French friendship. It also honors a hero who gave his life in the pursuit of saving others.