Blue plaques for Everest mountaineers Mallory and Irvine

George Mallory and Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine were part of the attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1924.

Irvine grew up in one of the original villas surrounding Birkenhead Park, while Mallory spent time in his childhood in Birkenhead, where his parents lived at St Johns' Vicarage on Slatey Road.

Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine’s family home on Park Road South in Birkenhead (Image: Wirral View) Both homes have had plaques unveiled outside of them, memorialising the men’s terrific efforts as they were ‘last seen going strong for the top’.

Much mystery surrounds the expedition and to this day it is known as one of mountaineering’s biggest mysteries.

In a recent interview on BBC Merseyside, Julie Summers (pictured below in pink top), a historian and great niece of Sandy Irvine discussed her thoughts on whether the two men made it to the top before they sadly lost their lives.

Sandy Irvine's great niece Julie Summers (left) with Wirral Council World Heritage Project Officer Marie Le Devehat at the unveiling of a plaque at Irvine's family home in Birkenhead (Image: Wirral View)

George Mallory's childhood home on Slatey Road in Birkenhead (Image: Wirral View) She said a photograph of Mallory’s wife, missing from his breast pocket, fuels speculation that the two did in fact reach the summit – as Mallory had told people that he would place the photograph and a union flag at the top. Neither of the items were found on his person when he was subsequently found years later.

Mallory was 37 when he died, and is described as one of the most famous mountaineers of his day. Irvine wasn’t as experienced, but was described as a keen rower and man of great strength. He was just 22 when he died.

A photographic exhibition about the expedition is on at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre until August 18.

A photo exhibition about the expedition is running at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre until August 18 (Image: Wirral View)