Tempest Anderson was born in Stonegate, York in 1846. After being educated at St. Peters School he studied medicine at London University. On returning to York Tempest became a consultant at the County Hospital following in his fathers’ footsteps. His work at the Hospital provided him with a good deal of free time during which he decided to take up the study of volcanoes both active and dormant ones. This involved Tempest in extensive travel around the world particularly to witness eruptions and their impact on the local people effected. He went on to become the nations’ leading authority on the subject and his expertise was recognised when he was appointed to the Royal Society Commission which investigated the aftermath of the eruptions of Soufiere Volcano, St Vincent and Mont Pelee, Martinique which both took place in 1902.
Tempest was a keen amateur photographer who always took his camera with him on his travels. Many of his photos appeared in his book Volcanic Studies in Many Lands which was published in 1903. On returning from his travels he would provide free illustrated talks to enthusiastic members of the York public.
Throughout his adult life Tempest was an active and leading member of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and was President of the Society at the time of his death. He left a large legacy to the Society part of which was used for the construction for a 300 seater lecture hall which is still used by the Society. This was one of the first buildings in the country to be made of concrete. He also bequeathed his extensive library of books and photographic plates to the Society.
In 1913 at the age of 66 while returning from an expedition to visit volcanoes in Indonesia Tempest succumbed to fever while on board ship and was buried at Suez in Egypt.
His final claim to fame was that he was the first person in York to own a telephone and so was given the number 1. There is a nameplate outside his family home at 23 Stonegate, York which is now the headquarters of the York Medical Society.
After his death his friends unveiled a memorial to Tempest in the North Choir Aisle in York Minster. It reads;
To the memory of Tempest Anderson distinguished alike as surgeon traveller man of science and faithful citizen of the ancient city of York. His many friends dedicate this tablet. Born in York 1846 died at sea 1913 and was buried at Suez.
Article contributed by David Holt – https://yorkshiresbestguides.co.uk/project/david-holt/
Image copyright Yorkshire Philosophical Society – https://www.ypsyork.org/resources/yorkshire-scientists-and-innovators/tempest-anderson/
