Sir Cecil Smith collection

The collection comprises of correspondence by Sir Cecil to Evelyn Cherry-Garrard, mother of the Antarctic explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard (assistant zoologist, British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913, leader Robert Falcon Scott)

Cecil Clementi Smith was born in 1840 in London. He was educated at St. Paul's School, London, and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. In 1862, he was elected one of the first student interpreters in Hong Kong and he served in various offices before advancing to the post of colonial treasurer of Hong Kong. In 1878, he was appointed colonial secretary of the Straits Settlement, where he remained until 1885. After serving as lieutenant governor and colonial secretary of Ceylon [Sri Lanka], Smith was appointed governor and commander-in-chief of the Straits Settlement in 1887, a post he held until 1893. In 1889, he was appointed high commissioner and consul-general for Borneo and Sarawak. He was knighted in 1886 and died in 1916.

The correspondence 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Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to Robert Keith Headland Antarctic Chronology, unpublished corrected revision of Chronological list of Antarctic expeditions and related historical events , (1 December 2001) Cambridge University Press (1989) ISBN 0521309034 and Who was who, 1916-1928 , Adam & Charles Black, London (1947)

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

Additional finding aids are available at the Institute.

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.

Further accessions possible.