Carsten Egeberg Borchgrevink (1864-1934); the man who claimed to be the first to set foot on Antarctica

Carsten Borchgrevink continues to be one of the most enigmatic Antarctic explorers. He made two visits to Antarctica, briefly in 1895, and much longer in 1898-1900. Today it is acknowledged that he made significant contributions to Antarctic exploration. He made a claimed first discovery of terrestrial plant life in 1895. He led the first party to winter on Antarctica in 1899 in very difficult weather conditions. His expedition made a year-long continuous record of weather conditions, and glacier movement was briefly measured. Useful zoological data were obtained, but the death of Hanson, the zoologist and loss of some of his records, lessened their possible value. New plants, some insects, and shallow sea-water fauna were discovered. Extensive photographic records were obtained. The 1898-1900 expedition noted the reduction in the seaward extent of the Ross Ice Sheet. It discovered what later became known as the Bay of Whales, and there made the first ascent onto the Ross Sea Barrier, showing that travel inland was feasible in that region, 'opening the way to the South'. A reasonable estimate of the then position of the South Magnetic Pole was made. In addition Borchgrevink showed the effectiveness of kayaks for local water transport, and dogs with trained dog-handlers for land travel (and companionship). His expedition was underpinned by good planning for housing, equipment (including use of the recently invented Primus Stove), clothing (notably shoes lined with sennegrass) and food. His scientific party was well-chosen for their abilities, but national and social differences played a part in periods of tension with the leader, who was inclined to overestimate his own scientific ability. The achievements of the expedition were given little recognition for most of his life, particularly in Britain, in part because of his initial success, over a period of some years, in gaining financial support for his expedition in the face of strong opposition from 'official' British scientific bodies. In addition his rather brash and abrasive personality, some public quarrels and perhaps a rather quirky sense of humour did not make him popular. His achievements have been obscured to some extent by inaccurate and exaggerated criticisms of his activities.