| Description | Some letters and papers about the planning and oversight of the expedition to Antarctica from 1901-1904, which was led by Robert Falcon Scott.
The papers were collected by Sir Alfred Kempe who served on the Joint Antarctic Committee from 26 June 1899, at which date it was expanded from the former 'Antarctic Committee' to a joint committee comprising 12 representatives from the Royal Society (of which Kempe was one) and 12 representatives from the Royal Geographical Society. The papers represent the activity of Kempe for the committee, in the form of correspondence addressed to him on related matters [MS/571/1-MS/547/8], as well as records generated by general Joint Committee activity including official minutes of meetings [MS/547/9], working papers such as draft instructions for the expedition [MS/547/10], copies of correspondence considered by the committee [MS/547/11], financial records [MS/547/12], printed epeherma such as news cuttings and event related material [MS/547/13]. |
| Administrative history | The Antarctic Discovery Expedition was led by Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912) between 1901-1904 and was a journey into the unknown. With the objective of "scientific discovery and exploration", the expedition's main achievement was a new 'farthest south' record - some 480 miles from the Pole. |