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Entry TypePerson
SurnameLongland
ForenamesJohn Laurence 'Jack'
Also Known AsLongland, Jack
TitleSir
PlaceBuxton
EpithetEducator, mountain climber, and broadcaster
Dates1905-1993
BiographyA keen athlete and climber, Longland climbed Mount Everest in 1933 and the route up the West Buttress of Clogwyn d’ur Arddu (Snowdonia, Wales) was first taken by him and is now known as Longland's Climb. He had studied at Cambridge University (King's College), where he met Geoffrey Winthrop Young and was first employed as a lecturer in English at Durham University. In 1937 he began a long and distinguished career in public service, becoming Director of the Community Service Council for Durham.

While Director of Education for Derbyshire (1949-1970), he established White Hall near Buxton, Derbyshire, the country's first local authority Outdoor Pursuits Centre for young people.

Longland was a frequent panellist on BBC Radio 4's 'Any Questions?' and 'Round Britain Quiz' as well as presenter of 'Country Questions' (late 1940s-1950s) and 'My Word!' (1957-1977).

He was also involved in a large number of organisations and committees, including the Climber's Club (chair), the Sports Council (Vice chair 1966-1974), the Mountain Leadership Training Board (Chair 1964-1980), the Council of Environmental Education (Chair 1968-1975), and the Alpine Club (President 1973-1976).
Born26
Died29
Key Events1930-1936 Lectured in English, Durham University
1933 Climbed Mount Everest
1937-1940 Director of the Community Service Council for Durham
1940-1942 Deputy Education Officer, Hertfordshire County Council
1942-1949 County Education Officer, Dorset County Council
1949-1970 County Education Officer/Director of Education, Derbyshire County Council
1970 Knighted
Family TreeSon of an Anglican clergyman
Source'Sir Jack Longland' obituary by Michael Westmacott, 4 December 1993 (possibly in The Times, or The Guardian)
Authorised Form of NameLongland; John Laurence 'Jack' (1905-1993); Sir; Educator, mountain climber, and broadcaster

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