Captain Lawrence Oates (1880 – 1912)

Biography

Lawrence Oates, born 17th March 1880 in Surrey, was a British soldier and later explorer most famous for accompanying Captain Robert Scott and his team on the Terra Nova Antarctic expedition. Oates is often described as being Leeds’s adopted son. Although originally from the South, his maternal family were wealthy figures in the Leeds, Meanwood area.

Oates had attended Eton College for a short period before leaving and joining the army in the 1890’s. He gained public praise for his involvement in the Second Boer War in which he became injured in his left thigh. After a successful military career, Oates contributed £1000 to the 1910 Terra Nova expedition (a race to the South Pole). After suffering with illness/ frostbite, on the 16th/17th March 1912 he decided to leave the groups tent sacrificing himself by walking out into a blizzard. It is thought that he did not want to slow his group down due to his illness, so he walked out to his death.

According to Scott’s account, Captain Oates’ last words were: “I’m just going outside; I may be some time.” Captain Oates’, courage and bravery was praised by many and still is today.

Context

The plaque was unveiled in early March of 2012 to commemorate 100 years since Oates’ tragic death but also to celebrate his life achievements and bravery prior to his premature passing. The unveiling of the plaque was well received by Meanwood locals as well as other citizens of the City of Leeds. Many locals gathered at its unveiling as well as members of Leeds City Council and the Leeds Civic Trust. No change to location thus far or plans for future development.

The monument and plaque

Date Erected:
March 2012

Artist:
N/A

Commissioned / funded by:
Leeds Civic Trust, blue plaque scheme.

Format and materials:
Metal blue plaque alongside a stone cross memorial and interpretation boards on Oates and his family’s history.

Location:
Meanwood Park, Leeds (originally Meanwoodside.) This location was chosen as it is as area in which the Oates family lived for a large period of time and Lawrence had spent some of his younger years there. Moreover, this specific location was also chosen because a memorial dedicated to Oates’ grandfather was already located there.

Description:
Blue Plaque with the following inscribed: “A VERY GALLANT GENTLEMAN” To commemorate Captain Lawrence E.G. Oates a member of Capt. Scott’s expedition to the South Pole 1910 – 1912 a frequent visitor to Meanwoodside, the Oates family home. Died 17th March 1912.’

Located in front of the blue plaque is a stone cross memorial, an original memorial commemorating Lawrence’s grandfather as well as two information boards with the history of Oates, his family, and their involvement with the Meanwood area.

Sources

• Jones, M. (2004), The Last Great Quest. London: Oxford University Press.
• Limb, S. (1982), Captain Oates: Soldier and Explorer. London: B.T. Batsford.
• BBC news report 17/03/ 2012

[Image via Wikimedia Commons]