Wooden sea-chest

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This wooden sea-chest (pictured here closed) was used by Alexander Selkirk during his solitary stay on the island of Juan Fernandez in the Pacific Ocean from 1704-9. Born in Largo in Fife, Selkirk was the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe'.

Sea-chest of Alexander Selkirk of Lower Largo, Fife, used by him during his solitary stay on the island of Juan Fernandez in the Pacific Ocean, 1704 - 1709

In 1704, after a quarrel with his captain, Selkirk asked to be put ashore on the uninhabited island of Juan Fernandez, 800 miles off the coast of Chile. In 1713, four years after his rescue, his experiences were published, giving Defoe his inspiration.

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-706-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NT 7
• Date: 1704 - 1709
  17th or 18th century
  
• Material: Sea chest
  
• Dimensions: 610 mm x 457 mm x 914 mm
  
• What: Sea chest
  
• Subject: Miscellaneous (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Alexander Selkirk (Owner)
  Robinson Crusoe
  
• Where: Chile, Juan Fernandez Islands
  Scotland, Fife, Lower Largo
  
• Event:
• Description:
• References:
  • Keay, J. & J. (eds). Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland. London: HarperCollins, 1994, p 861. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: