Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with reference to Robert Keith Headland
The British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott) undertook the first extensive exploration on land in Antarctica. Funding came from the Government, the Royal Society, the Royal Geographical Society and private donations. The expedition set up base at McMurdo Sound from where sledging parties carried out recognisance and scientific programmes including a journey to the Cape Crozier emperor penguin rookery and exploration along the west of Victoria Land leading to the discovery of the Ferrar glacier. Scott made the fist balloon ascent on the continent in 1902. A three-man sledge party consisting of Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson achieved a furthest south of 82.28° on 30 December 1902. The expedition ship,
Two relief expeditions sent to
Expedition members, Robert Falcon Scott, Albert Armitage, Michael Barne, Louis Charles Bernacchi, Hartley Travers Ferrar, Thomas Hodgson, Reginald Koettlitz, George Mulock, Charles William Rawson Royds, Ernest Henry Shackleton, Reginald William Skelton, Edward Adrian Wilson, David Allan, A H Blissett, Charles Clarke, Thomas Crean, Jacob Cross, George Croucher, Fred Dailey, James Dell, James Dellbridge, James Duncan, Edgar Evans, Thomas Feather, Charles Ford, Jesse Handsley, William Heald, Ernest Joyce, Thomas Kennar, William Lashly, Arthur Pilbeam, Arthur Quartley, Frank Plumley, Gilbert Scott, William Smythe, William Weller, Thomas Whitefield, John Robert Francis Wild, Thomas Williamson,
The collection comprises of financial statements, lists of crew, scientific observations and press cuttings created prior to, during and after the expedition.
The collection is arranged chronologically.
Further accessions possible.
By appointment.
Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.
Copying material by photography, electrostat, or scanning device by readers is prohibited. The Institute may be able to provide copies of some documents on request for lodgement in publicly available repositories. This is subject to conservation requirements, copyright law, and payment of fees.
Copyright restrictions apply to most material. The copyright may lie outside the Institute and, if so, it is necessary for the reader to seek appropriate permission to consult, copy, or publish any such material. (The Institute does not seek this permission on behalf of readers). Written permission to publish material subject to the Institute's copyright must be obtained from the Director. Details of conditions and fees may be had from the Archivist.
Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.
The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author signs the item.
Clive Holland
Additional finding aids are available at the Institute.
The Scott Polar Research Institute holds a number of photographs, film and other illustrative material in the Picture Library, some of which covers this expedition. The catalogue can be searched on line by going to the
The collection comprises of material created prior, during and after the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott)
Chronological.
The Institute holds over seventy archival collections containing material relating to this expedition. These include collections for expedition members GB 015 Albert Armitage, GB 015 Michael Barne, GB 015 Louis Charles Bernacchi, GB 015 Thomas Crean, GB 015 James Duncan, GB 015 Edward RGR Evans, GB 015 Hartley Travers Ferrar, GB 015 Charles Ford, GB 015 Clarence Hare, GB 015 Thomas Hodgson, GB 015 Reginald Koettlitz, GB 015 William Lashly, GB 015 George Mulock, GB 015 Frank Plumley, GB 015 Charles Royds, GB 015 Robert Falcon Scott, GB 015 Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, GB 015 Reginald Skelton, GB 015 Thomas Whitefield, GB 015 John Robert Francis Wild, GB 015 Thomas Williamson and GB 015 Edward Wilson.
The Institute also holds archival collections for GB 015 ships, Discovery and expedition newspaper GB 015 The Blizzard and for several members of the two relief expeditions which were sent to