Captain Robert Falcon Scott

Last weekend I took myself off to immerse myself in a spot of history.

Only last week was it Robert Falcon Scott's birthday, so I thought it a perfect time to visit an exhibition about the renowned explorer.

Marking 100 years since Captain Scott and his team reached the South Pole, the Natural History Museum is exhibiting Scott's Last Expedition until September 2012. Featuring rare artifacts and scientific specimen the exhibition is presented within a life-sized representation of the Cape Evans hut, where Scott and his team made base in 1910; it still survives in Antarctica today.

Replica of Cape Evans hut

Despite his journals being a challenging read, I had good knowledge of this courageous explorers background and his experiences in Antarctica.

This exhibition was a tale of human endurance: 

Cape Evans hut: Scott documenting his experience in Antarctica

From the beginning:

The world was running out of unexplored areas and the South Pole became a desirable goal for Scott. The cracking glaciers, piercing water and towering icebergs allured many to the South, but no one had conquered the inaccessibility of the South Pole.

With an upbringing in the Navy and an experience on Shackleton's Discovery expedition in 1901 (also to Antarctica), Scott was destined for this great adventure.

Terra Nova:
In 1909, Scott publicly announced his plan to reach the South Pole. The expedition relied heavily on donations, which came from businesses and individuals across the nation. Antarctica offers little support for human life, so contributions were put towards the necessities to survive in the challenging subzero climate.

In 1910, once one wooden hut, 19 ponies, 33 dogs, three years of food and enough fuel was lifted onto the Terra Nova at Cardiff docks in Wales, Scott and his team embarked on a journey that was never to be forgotten in history.


Horses would have to stand for the duration of the journey to Antarctica.

After months at sea, the Terra Nova and its crew arrived at Ross Island in Antarctica. The main objective of this expedition was to reach the South Pole as an achievement for the British Empire. However, the expedition also hosted valuable opportunities for scientific and geographic exploration too.

Read Scott's journals to find out more about the research that was undertaken during 1910-1913. You can purchase a copy of the published journals here.

The South Pole:

The journey to the South Pole was one of great suffering. I cannot reiterate the emotions that were felt by Scott's team. The exhibition used audio narration of the last few entries made by Scott. This was an effective and engaging edge to the display of the story:

Only a small team of men intended to reach the South Pole - other members of the team returned to the Terra Nova to continue scientific research. As the remaining five men continued to explore the once unimaginable land, the challenge to exist was ever increasing. It took over an hour each day to get ready for sledging journeys; outer layers of their clothing would freeze solid overnight and it became a daily struggle to force on their boots and windproof jackets. They also battled against violent winds and blinding blizzards. Any misjudgements would be fatal.

On their approach to their destination it became clear they were not the first to have reached the pole. Norwegian explorer, Amundsen, who had been camped at the Bay of Whales (60 miles closer to the pole) had beaten Scott's team to their hopeful victory.

The disappointed team eventually reached the South Pole.

"It will be a wearisome return."

The final days:
Travelling through the exhibition felt like travelling in time. As I walked towards the end of the room, the story looked less hopeful and the printed extracts of Scott's journals became evermore harrowing.

On their return to base camp, Scott and his subdued team were extremely low on supplies. The future for each man looked bleak. As conditions worsened Scott, Evans, Oates, Bowers and Wilson were forced to make camp. The remainder of Scott's journals are a powerful account of the teams sentiments, whilst enduring the passing storms.

It was only 18 km to the One Ton depot, where shelter and supplies had been laid for the return journey. But as each man's health worsened, the tempestuous weather became disheartening. The extremity of emotions that were felt by Scott and his men are demonstrated by Oates sacrifice to the team:

"I am just going outside and I may be some time."

Scott could write no more and wished that his diaries would survive to the tell the tale of bravery and selfless friendship.

"Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale."

A cross was raised on the snow covered tent where Scott, Wilson and Bowers were found.

See what others are saying about the exhibition on twitter: #scott2012

For more information on upcoming exhibitions in London click here.