Origins of the Royal Geographical Society
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS), founded on 16 July 1830 as the Geographical Society of London, was created to advance geographical science and exploration. Its seven distinguished founders included Sir John Barrow, Sir Roderick Murchison, Robert Brown, Lord Broughton, Mountstuart Elphinstone, Bartholomew Frere, and Admiral William Henry Smyth.
The society’s first president was Viscount Goderich, a former Prime Minister, with Alexander Maconochie as secretary. Initially under the patronage of King William IV, it was renamed the Royal Geographical Society after receiving its Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1859.
From its earliest years, the RGS became closely associated with British exploration, lending credibility and resources to expeditions across the globe.
Founding Figures and Their Antarctic Connections
Sir John Barrow (1764–1848) was one of the most influential figures in British exploration. As Second Secretary (later Permanent Secretary) to the Admiralty for four decades, he promoted numerous expeditions, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic. The young explorers he supported became famously known as “Barrow’s Boys”.
Charles Enderby (1797–1876), though not part of the original seven founders, joined the Society at its inception. A member of the prominent Enderby whaling family, Charles played a vital role in connecting the commercial sealing industry with geographical discovery. Serving on the RGS council multiple times, he encouraged Enderby captains to report their geographical findings—creating a direct link between commerce and science.
The Biscoe Antarctic Expedition and the RGS
Some accounts incorrectly state that “Antarctica was first circumnavigated in 1830 by Captain Bisco in the Brier”. The historical record shows:
- His name was Captain John Biscoe.
- He completed the third circumnavigation of Antarctica, not the first.
- The voyage spanned 1830–1833.
- His ships were the brig Tula and the cutter Lively.
Circumnavigations of Antarctica
- James Cook (1772–1775) – the first circumnavigation.
- Fabian von Bellingshausen (1819–1821) – the second.
- John Biscoe (1830–1833) – the third.
The Voyage and Discoveries
Commissioned by Samuel Enderby & Sons, Biscoe’s expedition combined sealing with geographical discovery. Charles Enderby’s dual role (as an RGS founder and Enderby company director) meant the Society’s influence was present throughout.
Departing from Gravesend on 14 July 1830, the expedition crossed the Antarctic Circle on 22 January 1831 and went on to chart several important regions:
- Enderby Land – 28 February 1831
- Adelaide Island – 15 February 1832
- Biscoe Islands – 17 February 1832
- Graham Land (now Graham Coast) – 21 February 1832
Hardships at Sea
Life on board was harsh. After reaching their furthest point south (69°S), scurvy devastated the crews. By the time the Tula reached Hobart, only Biscoe and four men could stand, and two sailors had died. The Lively fared even worse; only three of its ten-man crew survived.
Despite these losses, Biscoe completed his circumnavigation and was awarded the Royal Premium of the RGS (later replaced by the Society’s gold medal). He also received honours from the Paris Société de Géographie.
The RGS’s Influence on Polar Exploration
Between 1830 and 1930, the RGS supported 436 expeditions, lending scientific instruments, training explorers, and publishing their results. The Society not only advanced geographical knowledge but also intertwined exploration with Britain’s imperial ambitions.
Biscoe’s voyage underlines how quickly the RGS achieved its mission. Within just a few years of its founding, the Society was already shaping exploration in the harshest environments on Earth.
🎧Listen to how whalers sailed the frozen seas in Episode 138: Dockside Gold: How Whales Transformed London
Recommended Reading:
David Day, Antarctica: A Biography (2013)
Michael Bravo, North Pole, South Pole: The Epic Quest to Solve the Great Mystery of Earth’s Magnetism (2019)
