‘Mr Edward Whymper, in a letter to ‘The Times’, furnishes what we may deem the authentic narrative of the terrible tragedy on the Matterhorn…’

On 14 July 1865, the seven members of the expedition led by Edward Whymper reached the summit of the Matterhorn – this was the first time that the famous mountain had ever been climbed.

Tragically, however, four of the team lost their lives during the descent.

Here is a newspaper article from 1865 that reports on this historic moment, and also tells the terrible story of the ill-fated descent of the mountain.

Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury – Saturday 12 August 1865

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000366/18650812/019/0003

The Graphic – Saturday 06 October 1894

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000057/18941006/024/0021