Cape Royds, Antarctica

Shackleton's Hut

In 1908 at 77°33' South, Ernest Shackleton’s  British Imperial Antarctic (Nimrod) Expedition spent the Antarctic winter in a small hut they constructed at Cape Royds, a rock promontory on the western edge of Ross Island. Lacking the drama of Scott’s British Antarctic (Terra Nova) Expedition or Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic (Endurance) Expedition, the story and significant achievements of the Nimrod Expedition are lesser known.

Mount Erebus (12,448 ft) 

One of the relatively small and privately funded expedition’s goals was to reach the South Pole. While Shackleton fell 97.5 nautical miles short of reaching this goal, he traveled significantly further south than anyone before him and lived to tell the story. Another party from the Nimrod Expedition, led by Edgeworth David, did reach the South Magnetic Pole. Additionally, the expedition conducted extensive scientific research and claimed the first ascent of Mount Erebus (12,448 ft). For his success and leadership during the Nimrod Expedition Shackleton was knighted by King Edward VII.

Adélie Penguin Rookery

Cape Royds is also the location of an Adélie penguin rookery. Protected by the Antarctic Treaty as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) scientists are currently researching the penguin's response to climate and ecosystem change.

 Shackleton's Hut

The Antarctic Heritage Trust restored and now maintains Shackleton's Hut at Cape Royds. Based in New Zealand, "The Trust" is engaged in conservation projects that protect historic Antarctic bases and the artefacts early explorers left behind.

"...and before the whole Expedition left, the hut was put in order. A letter was pinned in a conspicuous place inside, stating that there were sufficient provisions and equipment to last fifteen men for one year, indicating also the details of these provisions and the position of the coal store. The stove was in good condition, and the letter ended with an invitation for any succeeding party to make what use they required of stores and hut. The hut was then locked and the key nailed on the door in a conspicuous place."

- Ernest Shackleton