Background
He was born at Giverndale, Brecknockshire, July 4, 1790.
He was born at Giverndale, Brecknockshire, July 4, 1790.
He was educated at Marlow grammar school and Woolwich Royal Military Academy.
In 1806 Everest went as a cadet to India, where in 1818 he became assistant on the Trigonometrical Survey of India. He became surveyor general of India in 1830, and completed a survey of the Himalaya Mountains in 1841. The name Mount Everest was given in his honor to the highest peak of the range. His determination that the meridional arc of India measures 11°11d 30' is regarded as a major scientific feat. Everest retired to England in 1843.
