Images Dated 20th August 2004

The Greely Arctic Expedition at its farthest point North, 18

Engraving showing members of the American Meteorological Expedition of 1881-4 taking their position, with a sextant, at the farthest point North they reached. Led by Lt. Greely, the American Meteorological Expedition of 1881-4 explored the Arctic around Greenland, set a new furthest North record and attempted to establish a meteorological station. Two relief ships failed to reach Greely and by the time the third arrived, all but six of the expedition had starved to death

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Jackson-Harmsworth Polar Expedition, Franz Josef Land, 1894-

Photograph of Frederick Jackson and his companions of the Jackson-Harmsworth Polar Expedition, with the ice-boat Mary Harmsworth, at Elmwood, Franz Josef Land, 1894-7. The Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition went to Franz Josef Land with the intention of making an attempt to reach the North Pole. However, while preparing for their attempt, Fridtjhof Nansen and his companions of the Fram expedition found them. Nansen warned Jackson off making an attempt for the North Pole and Jackson was happy to look after Nansen's tired group and convey them back to safety

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Elmwood, Franz Josef Land, 1895

Illustration of Elmwood, the base of the Jackson-Harmsworth Polar Expedition on Franz Josef Land, 1895. At the time, this was the most Northerly British settlement in the world. The Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition went to Franz Josef Land with the intention of making an attempt to reach the North Pole. However, while preparing for their attempt, Fridtjhof Nansen and his companions of the Fram expedition found them. Nansen warned Jackson off making an attempt for the North Pole and Jackson was happy to look after Nansen's tired group and convey them back to safety

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans