On Saturday 24 August 2024, as part of Heritage Week, Belvedere House and Gardens hosted a series of four talks on Belvedere’s history and its links to global exploration, particularly through Charles Howard Bury who led the 1921 reconnaissance mission to Mount Everest.
Ruth describes many of the figures associated with Belvedere House, including Robert Rochfort, Mary Molesworth, Charles Brinsley Marlay, Charles Howard Bury and its final private owner, Rex Beaumont. The house, designed by renowned architect Richard Cassels, is a stunning country villa, originally built as a hunting lodge.
In this clip, Ruth talks about the first owners of Belvedere House.
Ian talks about Charles Howard Bury and the 1921 British reconnaissance mission to Tibet and Mount Everest, known to the Tibetans as Chomolungma. That mission took place less than two decades after the British Empire had attacked Tibet and Howard-Bury was keen to restore friendly relations with the Tibetan government and its people. Ultimately, the mission, which had the goal of finding a route to the summit of the mountain, was a great success.
In this clip, Ian talks about Charles Howard Bury’s travels through the Tian Shan Mountains shortly before the outbreak of the First World War.
Marc discusses the life and times George Mallory, particularly his links to Ireland. Mallory, a supporter of Irish Home Rule, visited Ireland during the War of Independence, where he was appalled by the actions of the British Crown forces. Marc also talks about Mallory’s role in the Everest expeditions of the early 1920s, including the mystery surrounding his death in 1924.
In this clip, Marc discusses the reasons behind Mallory’s interest in Ireland.
Frank explores the lives of Irish Alpine Pioneers of the so-called golden age of Alpine exploration, including Anthony Adams Reilly of Mullingar, John Tyndall of Loughlin Bridge, Charles Barrington of Bray and John Ball of Dublin. Those figures left behind a wealth of fascinating material, including notebooks and drawings, and Frank discusses many aspects of their remarkable adventures.
In this clip, Frank speaks about Mount Blanc and Irish visitors to the Alps.
Full versions of the talks can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@westmeathcountycouncil7226
Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 01/10/2024