Charles Barrington (mountaineer)

Charles Barrington (* 1834 in Bray, † 1901) was an Irish businessman and occasional mountaineer. In 1858 he succeeded together with the Swiss guides Christian Almer and Peter Bohren the first ascent of the Eiger. It was his first and only trip to the Alps. His real passion was horse racing - his horse Sir Robert Peel won the first Irish Grand National in 1873, Barrington was married to Sarah Leadbeater and had three children..

Alpinism

The first ascent of the Eiger came at a time when mountain climbing in the UK gained popularity. With the two mountain guides Barrington took first trips over the pass Strahlegg ( 3,315 m above sea level. M. ) and the Jungfrau ( 4'158 m above sea level. M. ). In addition, the episode is narrated that the Irishman also wanted to try to climb the Matterhorn ( 4,478 m above sea level. M. ), but could not travel to Zermatt for financial reasons.

On August 11, 1858, the company began on the Eiger ( 3'970 m above sea level. M. ) at half past three clock in the morning. According to a letter to his brother Barringtons the Irishman took the lead at a previously twice unsuccessfully tried key point. The Swiss refused at first to take this route, but they finally succeeded in 'follow'. In foggy weather, the trio reached the summit at 12 clock and stayed there for 10 minutes. The descent took place on the path of ascension.