Skip to main content
Service phase: Beta

This is a new way to search our records, which we're still working on. Alternatively you can search our existing catalogue, Discovery.

Fonds

Tom Longstaff

Catalogue reference: TLO

What’s it about?

This record is about the Tom Longstaff dating from c.1964.

Access information is unavailable

Sorry, information for accessing this record is currently unavailable online. Please try again later.

Full description and record details

Reference
TLO
Title
Tom Longstaff
Date
c.1964
Description

"Memories of a mountaineer" was recorded shortly before Longstaff's death and broadcast during an interval in a Proms performance at the Royal Albert Hall. It is believed that the interviewer's voice has been re-recorded as the donor does not think that it is Hamish MacInnes' voice on the recording.

Longstaff talks about his trips to the Himalya in 1905, 1907, 1909; his posting to the Hindu Kush; the 1922 Everest expedition; the attempt on Nanda Devi; the ascent of Trisul in 1907 - the jubilee year of the Alpine Club; the invitation from Scott to go to the Antarctic in 1909 which was declined; changes in attitude to mountaineering

: . :
  • :
  • Note
    "
    Related material

    <p>Records of the Mount Everest Expeditions are held at the Royal Geographical Society</p>

    Held by
    Mountain Heritage Trust
    Language
    English
    Creator(s)
    • <corpname>British Broadcasting Corporation</corpname>
    • <persname>Longstaff, Thomas, 1875-1964, mountaineer</persname>
    Physical description
    1 compact disc
    Access conditions

    This collection is open for consultation. Readers are advised to contact the Mountain Heritage Trust in advance of their visit in order to make an appointment

    Immediate source of acquisition

    Donated by Audrey Salkeld

    Custodial history

    Donated to Audrey Salkeld by Sally Amos, daughter of Tom Longstaff

    Administrative / biographical background

    Longstaff qualified in medicine but never practiced. As a man of independent means he was able to travel and climb wherever he wished. He visited the Himalaya (six times), the Arctic (five times), the Selkirks, the Rockies, the Caucasus and the Alps (twenty times).

    First ascents of Tiktingen, Latsga, Lakra, Bashiltau and the West Peak of Shkhara were achieved during a trip to the Caucasus in 1903. He reached the rim of the Sanctuary on Nanda Devi in 1905. In 1907 he climbed Trisul (23,360ft) which remained the highest peak ever attained for twenty one years. In 1908 Longstaff was awarded the Gill Memorial.

    Longstaff discovered the Siachen Glacier in 1909 during a trip to the Karakorum. In 1922 he served as Technical Advisor on the second expedition to Everest.

    In 1928 Longstaff was awarded the Founder's Medal of the Royal Geographical Society and served as President of the Alpine Club, 1947-49. This My Voyage, his autobiography, was published in 1949.

    He died aged 89 in 1964

    Record URL
    https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/cf5afea4-b49d-4729-9c4b-9f98722efdab/

    Catalogue hierarchy

    123 records

    This record is held at Mountain Heritage Trust

    You are currently looking at the fonds: TLO

    Tom Longstaff