Celebrating man who beat Scott to the Pole

snowshoes, knife and boots belonging to Roald Amundsen –the man who beat Captain Scott to the South Pole – will go on public display for the first time.

They are among objects being exhibited in an exhibition on the life of the Norwegian explorer, opening at the Polar Museum in Cambridge today.

The museum is celebrating the life and exploits of the man regarded as one of the greatest polar explorers in history.

His many accomplishments included the first transit of the Northwest Passage, conquering the South Pole, reaching the North Pole, crossing the Arctic Ocean by airship and completing the first journey around the Arctic Ocean.

Heather Lane, keeper of collections at the museum, said: “A hundred years after the expeditions made by Scott and Amundsen, co-operation between British and Norwegian scientists has never been stronger. It seemed fitting that the Polar Museum should celebrate Amundsen’s life and achievements.”