Everest entered the British conscious in 1856, when the Great Trigonometric Survey of India declared that the previously unremarkable Peak XV was, at 29,002ft (8,840 metres), the world’s highest mountain. Just getting the basic theodolite sights – given that the mountain was outside British India and that the closest survey station was 106 miles distant – was a remarkable feat in its own right.
Trigonometry aside, Everest would now go on to become Britain’s last great imperial adventure.
Following this ‘discovery’, it would take almost a century for the world’s highest mountain to be climbed – with the 1953 expedition remembered as an exemplar of organisation, efficiency and leadership. In contrast, the first expeditions in the 1920s have all too often been relegated in popular mythology to a caricature of eccentrics wandering around Everest dressed in tweed – more suitable for the grouse moor than the eternal snows – and tragic heroism. In large part, this was originally down to the pithy wit of George Bernard Shaw who, on seeing the first photographs from an Everest Expedition, declared, “rather like a Connemara picnic surprised by a snowstorm”. He was being wholly unfair.
The ‘discovery’ of Everest coincided with the coming of age of mountaineering. The Alpine Club had been founded in 1857; the major summits of the Alps had all, during ‘The Golden Age of Alpinism’, been climbed by 1865; and despite Queen Victoria’s caustic comments about the Matterhorn tragedy, mountaineering was becoming both established and socially acceptable. The Alpine Club was, after all, a London Gentleman’s Club.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays