I walked past this many times before I knew what it was so, as usual, I did some reading!
Captain Scott's expedition to the Antarctic set out from Roath Dock in 1910 aboard the ship Terra Nova. Cardiff was chosen as the departure point owing to the huge contribution of the city to the expedition's financing.
This relationship was also responsible for the elegant Scott Memorial at the south end of Roath Park Lake. The lake was emptied in 1914 so that foundations for the tower could be built. It was completed in 1915 and in 1918 it was officially presented to the Cardiff.
The plaque on the promenade side of the Memorial reads: To the memory of
Captain R. F. Scott C.V.O. D.S.O. , R.N.
and his faithful companions
Captain L. E. G. Oates, Lieut. H. R. Bowers R.I.M.,
Dr. E. A. Wilson and Petty Officer Edgar Evans R.N.
who sailed in the S.S. Terra Nova from the Port of Cardiff
June 15th 1910, to locate the South Pole; and, in pursuit of
that great and successful scientific task, laid down their
lives in the Antarctic Regions. March 1912.
Britons all, and very gallant gentlemen.
Erected and presented to the City of Cardiff by
F. C. Bowring Esq., J.P.
1915. read more
