Famous Devonians

Devon is home to many famous people. Captain Scott is one of the most well known. It is over 100 years since one of the most courageous deeds in our nation’s history of exploration.

Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his Terra Nova Expedition team bravely walked across 800 miles of snow and ice to the South Pole, reaching their destination on 17 January 1912. Sadly, tragedy struck during their return journey and they perished in the cold wasteland as they ran out of food.

Scott was born and educated in Plymouth and the city is honoured to mark this important anniversary. Can you find his date of birth and his baptism?

Scott memorial Mount Wise, Devonport

With amazing advances in communication and transport technology it is sometimes hard to understand how these men were prepared to set off across a wilderness in search of scientific and geographical data with so few resources at their disposal. The Terra Nova Expedition, and the others that preceded and followed it, became feats of endurance that tested their crews to their physical and mental limits, and sometimes beyond.

These expeditions generated large quantities of data and specimens, the examination and analysis of which would keep the world’s scientific communities busy for decades.

The ‘heroic’ label, given to this period of exploration recognises the adversities these pioneers had to overcome – that Scott and some of his team returned to this inhospitable region having been there before on the Discovery Expedition of 1901 to 1904 is testament to their undoubted courage and determination.

Penguins, penguins, penguins

The penguin was the official mascot of the Terra Nova Expedition. Use these links to download some free family-friendly penguin-themed resources:

• Penguin and Polar themed writing paper
• Make a felt penguin softie
• Make an origami penguin
• More penguin-themed activities

Can you think of any other famous people from Devon?

What do you know about Sir Francis Drake in St Budeaux Church who was born in Tavistock.

Drake was part of the English Fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada

Although there are many well known people, our ‘ordinary’ ancestors were equally as important.

Can you take photos of churches and memorials related to your family members