Lost in The Caucasus

 posted by John Winn

There are some occupations that one rarely sees advertised in 'Situations Vacant'. Two such are adventurer and sportsman. The subject of today's posting Henry (Harry ) Fox could list both of these on his cv, but it was his misadventures that brought him to my attention for his cricket career was modest to say the least. 

Henry Fox was born in Wellington, Somerset in 1856. He was partner in the family firm of Fox Brothers, textile manufacturers that survive to this day. After attending Sherborne School he played ten games for his native county, three of which, in 1882, were first class. Harry did not set the Mendips alight for in six innings he amassed only 16 runs. at an average of 2.66. To be fair Somerset were classified as a second class county at this time but in matches against similar opposition his top score was just 42 against Kent in 1881.  Perhaps his greater contribution to Somerset's fortunes  came from his wallet rather than the willow for in his capacity of Vice President he supplemented club finances. 

Fox did not pass the close season inactive for in 1874 he founded Wellington Rugby Union Club  and he acted as captain, secretary and treasurer of Somerset County RU team. Sportsman indeed but it was in his role as an adventurer that he came to my notice. I have mentioned in a previous posting that Wisden did not include obituaries until 1892 contenting itself with a very selective list of 'deaths'. In the 1889 edition the list runs to 21 names and 13th on the list is Mr H Fox (Somersetshire) 'Lost in The Caucasus' Sept 4th, from which you might gather he was a mountaineer, an activity he began in 1884.

A member of the Alpine club, Harry was instructed by distinguished mountaineers, WW Graham and WC Slingsby and he was highly regarded by his peers. In 1888 with two colleagues he travelled to Russia with the aim of climbing the previously unconquered Koshtan-Tau, a peak of over 5000 meters. One of the trio, Clinton Dent, was taken ill which left Fox with just one partner, William Donkin. Alas they went missing and despite extensive searches ordered by Tsar Alexander II they were never found. The following year Dent returned and with Douglas Freshfield, found a tent at 4300 meters together with personal items but significantly missing was climbing gear which almost certainly meant that the pair had headed for the summit but it is assumed they did not make the top and that their most likely fate was to have been killed by an avalanche. For legal reasons Fox's death was recorded as 'on or since the 30th August 1888, at some place unknown.' Interesting that Wisden is more precise (Sept 4th).

That is not quite the end of Harry Fox for the pavilion at Wellington CC was erected in his memory and he even has a mountain in Canada named after him, imagination has not run riot, it is called Mount Fox. Had our hero died in later life from natural causes he might not have made Wisden other than for his modest scores but tracing his life story has proved most interesting. I have no intention of becoming a mountaineer, starting a rugby club  joining a textile company and my best cricket playing days are probably behind me but something about these Victorian 'allrounders' appeals to me, perhaps because they set off to climb mountains dressed in clothing that might be ok for a chilly day at Weetwood but for an excursion that might take you more than 5000 above sea level, no thank you. 

I am intending to make trip to Somerset in early July and should time allow I would like to include a trip to Wellington CC in my itinerary. If so look out for a photo of the Fox pavilion in a future posting.