Edgar Evans Collection

Four copies of letters relating to the 1910-1912 Terra Nova expedition. Two are from Edgar Evans to his mother living at Pilton, Rhossili, the first dated 21 June 1910 at sea on board the 'Terra Nova' heading for Madeira; the second dated 2 January 1911 on board the 'Terra Nova' at Cape Crozier, Victoria Land, Antarctic. Copy letter dated October 1911 from Capt. Robert Scott to Mrs Edgar Evans informing her that her husband is well and fit and a valuable member of the team. Copy letter dated April 1 1912 from Lieutenant Henry Pennell on board the 'Terra Nova' to Edgar Evans wife reassuring her that her husband was reported as being in the best of health (after contracting scurvy) in the most recent reports. Unbeknown to him, all members of the expedition party including Edgar Evans were actually dead by the time of his writing to Lois Evans.

Edgar Evans was born at Middleton, Rhossili on the 7 March 1876. He attended St. Helen's Boys School in Vincent Street from the age of six until he was thirteen, before joining the Royal Navy in 1891 at the age of fifteen. He joined the National Antarctic Expedition between 1901-1904. The officer in command was Captain R. F. Scott who later invited Evans to join him on the British Antarctic Expedition to attempt to reach the South Pole (1910-1913). However they all perished on the return journey, with Evans the first to die. Edgar married Lois Beynon, daughter of William Beynon and niece of his mother, on 13 December 1904 at Rhossili Parish Church and had three children. There is a plaque in his memory in the Norman church at Rhossili.

The collection was originally listed at University College, Swansea, where an interpretation of the original order was made. This catalogue lists the items chronologically under the headings stated in Scope and content.

No restrictions.

The records were originally held at The Royal Institution of South Wales, Swansea. From 1966 onwards the records were moved to the library in the University College, Swansea in consignments. They were transferred to West Glamorgan Archive Service in the Spring of 2004.

Compiled by Katie Millien for the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

A hard copy of the catalogue is available at the West Glamorgan Archive Service. The catalogue can be accessed online.

Usual copyright regulations apply.

All records transferred to the West Glamorgan Archive Service have been retained.

Accruals are not expected.