Discovery Hut - Cape Evans - Built 1902 - Scott's 1901-1904 Expedition

Back to gallery  |  Back to Thumbs  |  Previous  |  Next

Scott's Discovery Hut


The Discovery Hut at Cape Evans is the oldest of three huts in the vicinity, the other two being Scott's Hut from the 1911-1913 Terra Nova Expedition and Shackleton's Cape Royds Hut from the 1907-1909 Nimrod expedition.
This hut is properly known as the "Discovery Hut", to make life confusing, the hut from Scott's 1911-1913 is known as "Scott's Hut" - even though they were both erected by Captain Scott.

It was built during the 1901-1904 Discovery expedition (named after the ship used) of Robert Scott from prefabricated panels brought on the ship. It was originally called "Gregory Lodge" by the members of the expedition after it's Australian designer. The hut was not intended as the main living quarters - this function was fulfilled by the ship - the Discovery which over-wintered. The hut was built primarily for storage of supplies and as a base for scientific work.

The hut was cold and uncomfortable for protracted residence though served to teach valuable lessons on design, insulation and construction for future expeditions.



Photo; © Mike Usher - Pictures from an icebreaker cruise to Eastern Antarctica.