Scott of the Antarctic - 100 years ago today

One hundred years ago today Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his party of explorers reached the South Pole to find that they had been beaten by the Norwegian, Roald Amunsden's expedition.

I am always struck by the expressions of sheer exhaustion and disappointment tinged with determination on the faces of Scott's men as they are photographed shortly after their arrival at the Pole, where they found the Norwegian flag already in place. We know, of course, that all these men died on the return journey, adding such poignancy to the picture.

And here are photographs of Scott taken in happier times. Long may the spirit of courageous exploration live on!