Stephenson, British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876

Scope and Content

  • MS 498;MJ Journal extracts, 26 August to 25 September 1875, microfilm
  • MS 1133/1;D Memorandum to Lewis Beaumont, 11 October 1875 [From HMS Discovery, sledge instructions] holograph
  • MS 1332/6/1-2;D Memoranda (2), 7 May and 13 August 1875 [Instructions for sledge journey] 5 leaves, holograph (Xerox)

Administrative / Biographical History

The British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876 (leader Sir George Strong Nares) was sent by the Admiralty for an attempt on the North Pole by Smith Sound and to explore the coasts of Greenland and adjacent lands. Sailing from Portsmouth in two ships, HMS Alert and HMS Discovery (Stephenson) the expedition was unsuccessful in its attempt to reach the pole. Geographical discoveries were made and the ships returned with a large quantity of scientific data

Arrangement

Chronological

Alternative Form Available

MS 498;MJ is a copy

Related Material

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 Picture Library Database and selecting the Enter Polar Pictures link.

The Institute holds several archival collections containing material relating to this expedition see SPRI collections GB 15 British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876 for a full list

Location of Originals

MS 498;MJ located in the public Archives of Canada (1982)

Corporate Names