Robert Archer collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876 (leader George Strong Nares).

Robert Hugh Archer served as midshipman in Galatea under HRH the Duke of Edinburgh between 1857 and 1861. Advancing to lieutenant in 1872, he served in Agincourt, flagship of Admiral Hornby, in the Channel Squadron from 1872 until 1874. The following year he joined the British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876 (leader George Strong Nares), as second lieutenant in HMS Discovery, sent by the Admiralty to attempt to reach the North Pole by way of Smith Sound and to explore the coasts of Greenland and adjacent lands. Archer led a sledging party to the head of Archer Fjord, which opens off Lady Franklin Bay. After the expedition, he rose to the rank of captain. He died in 1930.

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 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 and Exploring Polar Frontiers, a historical encyclopaedia by William Mills San Diego and Oxford, 2003

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.

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Further accessions possible.