Scott Polar Institute Cambridge

Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge

History of the Scott Polar Research Institute

General information about the Scott Polar Research Institute can be found on Wikipedia.

6/5/1933 There is a good deal of interest in the building operations in progress at the corner of Lensfield Road. It is for the Scott Polar Research Institute which has been based in a house at the corner of Panton Street since 1925. The new building, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and being built by Messrs Sindall, should be completed next year. (Cambridge Press)

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1934 11 16

The new Scott Polar Research Institute was opened by the Chancellor of the University, the Rt Hon Stanley Baldwin. It was founded as a memorial of Capt Robert Falcon Scott to assist polar exploration by collecting information and providing a centre where those contemplating future explorations can profit by the experience of those who have gone before. Later Baldwin opened the new extensions of the Perse School buildings. 34 11 16a, 34 11 17b

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

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During World War Two the building was used by the Naval Intelligence Divisions. Gwen Raverat worked here as a draughtsman. They complied handbooks about countries which the Navy might be required to ‘visit.’ Her job was to make the block diagrams. She often had no photographs to work on but had to use contours on the map to indicate terrain.

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Cambridge Inscriptions Explained by Nancy Gregory (2006) looks at the background to the inscription above the front entrance:

QVAESIVIT ARCANA POLI VIDET DEI

He sought the mysteries of the Pole, he sees [the mysteries] of God 

This was composed by Sir Herbert Fisher, Warden of New College Oxford.