Francis Fox Tuckett
(1834-1913)
13 June 1862

Volume 7, page 117, sitting no. 8713.

[The sitter is identified by a pencilled inscription in a period hand on the back of the mount, although his name is entered in the Silvy daybooks as F. F. Puckett.]

The pioneering mountaineer Francis Fox Tuckett was born at the Old House, Frenchay Common, Gloucestershire, on 10 February 1834, the son of Francis Tuckett and Marianna née Fox. He acquired his love of the mountains on a visit to the Alps with his father in 1842, and for much of his adult life devoted two to three months of each year to climbing. He became famous for his pioneering Alpine work (1856-1874), capturing 376 peaks (60 of them previously unconquered). His stamina, strength and skill became legendary. In 1865 the King of Italy created him a Knight of the Order of St Lazarus, in recognition of the services he had rendered to Italy by his 'geographical and scientific research in the Italian alps.' His diaries and letters show the keenest appreciation of mountain scenery, an insatiable curiosity and a great joy in extending himself to the limit, both physically and mentally.

His sister Charlotte wrote that '[h]e kept himself in good training for his beloved pursuit of mountaineering by his daily walks to and from Bristol, five miles each way. He used to get home for six, and for more years than I can say, the institution existed of an apple tart served with his tea.'

He married Alice Fox (1858-1928) on 17 January 1896, while in New Zealand.

He died in the Old House, Frenchay, on 20 June 1913 and was buried at the Friends’ Meeting House, Frenchay.