Country Life

‘Because it’s there’: the Mallory and Irvine mystery

AT about lunchtime on June 8, 1924, Noel Odell was at more than 26,000ft on Everest, climbing in support of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. It was a calm, but cloudy day and the Northeast Ridge was wreathed in mist. At 12.50pm, there was a break in the cloud and Odell noted in his diary: ‘Saw M & I on the ridge nearing the base of the final pyramid.’

Odell would later elaborate, if not clarify: ‘I noticed far away on the snow slope leading up to what seemed to me, to be the last but one step from the base of the final pyramid, a tiny object moving and approaching the rock step. A second object followed, and then the first climbed to the top of the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Country Life

Country Life2 min read
Rob Houchen
‘I have loved the work of Egon Schiele since studying him during my GCSE in Fine Art. I was drawn to the unashamed expression in his art and how unafraid he was to look vulnerable, sexual and ugly. It moved me to know someone could express themself s
Country Life1 min read
The Designer’s Room
AS part of the transformation of this house, a link was created between the main house and the kitchen in a barn extension. ‘As lifestyles have evolved, the formal dining room has largely been sidelined, but you still need a spacious dining area in a
Country Life5 min read
Take The Plage
SITUATED midway between London and Paris—in both miles and mentality—Le Touquet has drawn the smart set of both Britain and France to its elegant shores for more than a century. Nicknamed ‘Paris Plage’ for its proximity to, and popularity with, resid

Related Books & Audiobooks