My history hero: Michael Buerk chooses Robert FitzRoy (1805–65)

When did you first hear about FitzRoy?

Several years ago, while making a programme about Darwin, because as captain of HMS Beagle, FitzRoy was integral to the story.
He first made a big impression on me because of his prowess as a sailor.

I subsequently read a super novel about him, Harry Thompson’s This Thing of Darkness, which deepened my interest.

What kind of man was he?

He was extraordinarily clever and brave, as well as honourable and chivalrous. He was not your common-or-garden aristocrat: if his fourth great-grandmother had been Charles II’s wife rather than his mistress, he would have been royalty. He was also a brilliant sailor. He was made captain of the Beagle at 23, and was just 26 when he set sail with Darwin.

However, he had bipolar disorder and would fall into black moods. I believe the contradiction – between his literal view of the Bible and the role he played in helping Darwin collect the evidence underpinning On the Origin of Species – gnawed away at him and contributed to his depression.

What made him a hero?

Here was a man of just 23 who sailed a small ship, the Beagle, on landmark voyages, one of which changed our entire perception of human beings’ place in nature. I am equally intrigued by the way this committed Christian struggled to accept the scientific evidence in Darwin’s book, despite his fine mind.

What was FitzRoy’s finest hour?

Firstly, sailing the 90ft long Beagle – which is what the navy used to call a ‘coffin brig’, because it had a reputation for being unseaworthy – around Cape Horn. Secondly, founding what became the Meteorological Office. He invented the term ‘forecast’, and instituted a scientific approach to predicting the weather that saved so many sailors’ lives.

Yet during FitzRoy’s lifetime a lot of boat owners tried to get the office closed down because they didn’t want fishermen to have an excuse for staying in port. Thirdly, I’d highlight his time as governor of New Zealand, where he sought to protect the Maori from unscrupulous settlers who wanted their land. As a result, he was recalled to London.

Is there anything that you don’t particularly admire about him?

Yes, he had a fairly explosive temper, but nothing else springs to mind.

Can you see any parallels between FitzRoy’s life and your own?

None whatsoever. I’m not the least bit honourable, I’m extraordinarily sceptical of all religions and I’m a dreadful sailor!

Michael Buerk has worked as both a news presenter and a foreign correspondent during his distinguished BBC career. He has hosted BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze since 1990.

This article was first published in the May 2025 issue of BBC History Magazine