Robert Charles Scott collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the British Naval Franklin Search Expedition, 1852-1854 (leader Henry Kellett) and the other Franklin search expeditions that were in the Arctic at the same time (notably the British Naval Franklin Search Expedition, 1852-1854 leader William Pullen)

Robert Charles Scott served as assistant surgeon in HMS Intrepid under Francis Leopold McClintock on the British Naval Franklin Search Expedition, 1852-1854 (leader Henry Kellett), instructed by the Admiralty to search for the British Naval Northwest Passage Expedition, 1845-1848 (leader Sir John Franklin) in the region of Melville Island in company with HMS Resolute.

In the autumn of 1852, Scott accompanied McClintock on a sledge journey across Melville Island, laying depots in preparation for longer sledge journeys the following year. After the expedition, he served as staff surgeon in HMS Clyde, the naval reserve at Aberdeen.

The collection is arranged chronologically

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.

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 has signed the item.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to Arctic, exploration and development c500 BC to 1915, an encyclopaedia by Clive Holland Garland Publishing, London (1994) and Exploring Polar Frontiers, a historical encyclopaedia by William Mills San Diego and Oxford, 2003 and British polar exploration and research a historical and medallic record with biographies 1818-1999 by Lieutenant Colonel Neville W. Poulsom and Rear Admiral John A L Myres, Savannah Publications London (2000) SPRI Library Shelf 737.2

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue, Garland Publishing New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941.

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Further accessions possible