1728-1795

English Explorer

Samuel Wallis is best known for his voyages as Captain of the HMS Dolphin, a British vessel that circumnavigated the world under his command between 1766 and 1768. During this voyage, the Dolphin discovered the island of Tahiti and many other South Pacific islands that were soon to become famous. His reports inspired the voyages of Captain James Cook (1728-1779) and those of several French explorers who followed.

Wallis was born in Lanteglos-by-Camelford in 1728. Not much is known of his childhood or early adulthood, although it is likely that he received some degree of formal education before joining the Navy. It is certain that he was appointed flag lieutenant for Admiral Boscawen due to his high levels of performance, and was given command of the HMS Dolphin in 1766, shortly after the Dolphin's return from a recordbreaking circumnavigation under the command of John Byron (1723-...