Gertrude Benham facts for kids

Gertrude Emily Benham (born July 1867, died February 1938) was an amazing English explorer and mountaineer. She loved climbing mountains from a young age. Gertrude explored mountains on almost every continent! She was also a brave hiker. She walked across entire countries and even continents.

As she traveled, Gertrude also drew pictures. These drawings were very important. They helped people create maps of the places she explored. Benham usually traveled alone or with local guides. She spent very little money, less than 250 British pounds a year. In 1916, she became a special member of the Royal Geographic Society. This group supports explorers and geographers. Throughout her life, Gertrude climbed more than 300 mountains.

Her Legacy Lives On

A mountain peak in Canada is named after her. It is called Truda Peaks. This peak is part of Mount Rogers in Glacier National Park. It is located in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. You can also see her actual climbing boots. They are on display at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

Her Final Journey

Gertrude died in 1938. She was on a ship traveling from Africa back to England.