On the 15th February 1874, Ernest Shackleton was born in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland. He was the second child to arrive to his parents, Henry and Henrietta; the family grew to eight girls and two boys. Probably the best account of the family background is to be found in Jonathan Shackleton & John MacKenna’s book – ‘Shackleton, An Irishman in Antarctica’. (this book is out of print, but will be republished this year by the Shackleton Museum).
The Irish Times, Tuesday 17th February recorded Ernest Shackleton’s birth
“SHACKLETON – On the 15th inst. the wife of Henry Shackleton, Kilkea, County Kildare, Esq, of a son”.
Various events are planned to mark EHS’ 150th birthday. See here for details of the unveiling of a plaque in Westminster Abbey.