The street names of a new development that pay tribute to Captain James Cook and members of his crew have been unveiled today.
Persimmon Homes Essex were delighted to be joined by Sir Bob Russell, High Steward of Colchester, Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and members of the Colchester Civic Society to reveal the new street names at St. Michael’s Place, Berechurch Hall Road.
The housebuilder has worked with Sir Bob and local historical groups to mark the discoveries made by Captain Cook. The street names also honour the important contributions made by members of Cook’s crew who have connections with Colchester. These includes James Ward who is buried at St. Michael’s churchyard, just down the road.
The primary theme of the street names centre on Captain Cook’s 18th century voyage of discovery on HMS Resolution. On this intrepid adventure, Colchester resident James Ward served under Cook and became the first European to spot the Hawaiian Islands in 1778. These discoveries changed history and radically improved our understanding of world geography.
Richard Hush, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Essex said:
“These street names immediately connect our new development site to the wonderful history of Colchester and the world.
“We’re delighted to have worked with Sir Bob and other local groups to create this lasting tribute to Captain Cook and the members of his crew, adding a historical flavour to our beautiful new development at St. Michael’s Place.”
Sir Bob Russell, High Steward of Colchester added:
“I am grateful to Persimmon Homes for so readily agreeing to the names, and my thanks also to The Captain Cook Society for their assistance in helping me compile the names of the two ships on Captain Cook’s voyage of discovery in the Pacific and members of the crew with a regional connection.
“The spine road on what I hope will be known as The Captain Cook Estate will be named after James Ward, a Colchester man who is buried in St. Michael’s churchyard not that far away in Berechurch Hall Road. He was the first European to sight the Hawaii Islands.”
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council commented:
“It has been great to meet the Persimmon team. To hear their commitment to deliver to a high standard, learning from the past and looking after residents as they move in. And to see in their street naming a respect for what makes Colchester so special, a modern vibrant city with a great past”
Persimmon Homes also provided its guests with a tour of the site which started construction in March 2022. St Michael’s Place will feature 153 homes in total, offering a range of new two, three and four-bedroom homes. The development will also see 46 homes transferred to a Housing Association partner for shared ownership or below market rent.
In addition to James Ward Road and Hawaii Drive, the seven other roads have been named as follows:
· Resolution Way – named after Captain Cook’s ship
· Discovery Drive – named after Captain Cook’s second ship
· Peckover Terrace – named after Gunner William Peckover, buried at Holy Trinity Churchyard
· Hatley Close – named after Midshipman John Vancouver from Ipswich
· Vancouver Place – named after Midshipman John Vancouver, from King’s Lynn
· Clerke Chase – named after Lieutenant Charles Clerke, born in Wethersfield
· Burney Walk – names after Lieutenant James Burney, from King’s Lynn
