Alfred Parr collection

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

Alfred Arthur Chase Parr was born on 14 June 1849. He entered the Royal Navy in 1863, later serving in the Mediterranean and off the coast of South America. He was appointed second lieutenant in HMS Alert on the British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876 (leader George Strong Nares), 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. In April 1876, Parr accompanied Albert Markham's polar party along the coast of Ellesmere Island to Cape Joseph Henry before turning due north over the sea ice and achieving a record latitude of 83° 20 minutes 26 seconds North. Struggling under great hardship, the polar party turned back and Parr was sent ahead to fetch a relief party from the ship. Although the attempt to reach the North Pole was unsuccessful, the expedition made some geographical discoveries and returned with a large quantity of scientific data.

Promoted captain in 1887 and vice admiral in 1905, Parr retired in 1906, advancing to the rank of admiral on the retired list in 1908. He died on 20 February 1914.

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 Who was who, 1897-1916 Adam and Charles Black London (1920) 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