Cornwall & London in Spring

On Wednesday 10th April 1912 shortly after 12noon, RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton's White Star Dock on her maiden voyage to New York.

Four days into the ship's journey from Southampton, England, to New York City, the Titanic collided with an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland on the night of April 14, 1912.

1. Titanic’s departure from Southampton created a local tragedy of immense scale. Of the 685 crew members from Southampton, more than 500 died, leaving entire streets in mourning. Many homes displayed black wreaths on the doors in the days after the sinking.
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2. The Navratil brothers (aged 2 and 4), known as the “Titanic orphans”, were French boys taken aboard by their father under a false name. Their mother, who lived in Nice, only learned they were safe when their photos were circulated in Southampton newspapers.
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3. Most crew signed up just hours before departure, queuing along Canute Road in Southampton. Some weren’t sailors by trade—there were waiters, bellboys, and musicians simply seeking work in a tough port town.
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4. A coal strike in early 1912 led to other ships canceling voyages. As a result, Titanic was able to recruit extra passengers and experienced crew in Southampton who would’ve otherwise worked on other liners.
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5. Joseph Laroche, a Haitian-born engineer, boarded with his French wife and two daughters in Southampton. He was the only Black passenger on board. He died in the sinking; his wife and daughters survived.
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6. A Tragic Twist: Titanic’s reputation preceded her. Because she was considered “unsinkable,” many crew members (especially in Southampton) never received lifeboat drills or training—standard practice at the time but skipped due to tight schedules.

To be honest, neither of us were overly impressed with the Titanic experience. It was interesting in parts but the 3 loud school groups did not help.

Stopped off at Salisbury and had lunch: Established 1320. Haunch of Venison. Food tasted like it was established around same period!

Our accommodation: Willow Cottage is a charming, 230-year-old detached brick and flint cottage located in the heart of Shrewton village. Set beside a winterborne stream. The village’s name, derived from “sheriff’s town,” reflects its historical ties to Edward of Salisbury, a landowner and sheriff in the 11th century . The village also holds significance as the birthplace of Cecil Chubb, the barrister who famously donated Stonehenge to the nation in 1918. Such a beautiful little cottage. Reminds me of the one used in the beloved Christmas movie 🎥 ‘The Holiday’. Surrounded by fairy lights and a hot tub. The perfect place to finish our country adventure after a late afternoon visit to Stonehenge as the sun set, as it has on our country UK 🇬🇧 adventure… Big city 🏙️ lights of London tomorrow!Read more