William Edward Parry was a British naval officer and explorer born in 1790. He is best known for his expeditions in the Arctic, particularly his attempts to find the Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Parry's notable voyages took place in the early 19th century, during a time when exploration of polar regions was gaining interest. Parry led several significant expeditions, including the one in 1820 that reached the northernmost point of the Arctic at that time. His work contributed to the mapping of the region and increased knowledge about Arctic geography and climate. Parry's efforts also helped to inspire future explorers, including Sir John Franklin.