RMS Titanic passenger and crew biography, Titanic history, research and discussions
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RMS Titanic
The Titanic was a British registered four funnelled ocean liner built for the transatlantic passenger and mail service between Southampton and New York.
Constructed at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland she was, at the time of her maiden voyage, the largest vessel afloat.
On April 10th 1912 the Titanic set sail from Southampton with 2,200 passengers and crew, four days later the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank. 1500 people died and 700 survived. This website attempts to tell their story and that of the great ship with which their fate would be inextricably linked.
It is since Titanic was lost.
Where do I go from here?
Passenger List | Crew List | Survivors | Victims | ArticlesBasic Statistics | On this Day | Timeline | Sitemap | A-Z
History
According to legend the Titanic was conceived at a meeting between Lord Pirrie of Harland & Wolff and Bruce Ismay, Chairman of the White Star Line.
The vessels would forsake speed for increased safety and comfort. While millionaire passengers would grab headlines, vastly increased steerage capacity and accommodation for the growing middle class would drive economic success.
After a construction period of nearly three years the Titanic, commanded by veteran Captain Edward John Smith, departed in Southampton on 10th April 1912 never to return.
In a growing archive of articles this site covers the story of the Titanic from her construction, maiden voyage, disaster and aftermath to the discovery of her wreck in 1985.
Design and Engineering
The Titanic designed and constructed at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
She was 882 feet 9 inches in length and 92 feet in breadth. Her gross tonnage was 46,328 tons. Three propellers were driven by two four-cylinder, triple-expansion, inverted reciprocating steam engines and one low-pressure Parsons turbine. Steam was provided by 25 double-ended and 4 single-ended Scotch-type boilers fired by 159 coal burning furnaces that gave her a theoretical top speed of 23 knots.
Culture
The Titanic forms part of our cultural landscape. In Hollywood movies, books, art and music her tragedy is replayed. Titanic has even entered the language: the phrase re-arranging deckchairs on the Titanic exemplifies a futile exercise.
In this site you can learn about how the Titanic has been reflected in contemporary culture; Titanic on film and record, in photographic image and in art. You can also learn about the true stories that inspired the movie makers including The Real Jack Dawson, and you can see the rarest of all film, the Titanic herself.
Other Destinations
Sheet Music | Recorded Music | CGI | Animation
Titanic Research
Have you every wanted to know more about the Titanic, a passenger or crew member. So have we! Research can be as simple as picking up a book or going to your library and searching through the local newspapers from 1912. So why not give it a try and post your findings on Encyclopedia Titanica.
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The members will be happy to answer your queries about the Titanic and help you with researching her history and the stories of the people who sailed on her.
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Movies
Pictures
Basic Statistics
The People
324 1st class passengers, 201 survived.
277 2nd class passengers, 118 survived.
708 3rd class passengers, 181 survived.
885 crew members, 212 survived.
13 postmen/musicians, none survived.
Grand total: 2,207 on board, 712 survived.
The Ship
Length: 882 feet 9 inches
Beam: 92 feet
Gross tonnage: 46,328 tons
Propulsion: Three propellers
Engines: Two triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines
One low-pressure Parsons turbine
25 double-ended and 4 single-ended Scotch-type boilers
159 coal burning furnaces
Top speed : 23 knots.
Propped up on pillows in bed at St. Vincent's Hospital, Thomas Whiteley, steward of the First Class Saloon of the Titanic, described the scene in the dining-room on the night of the disaster. ''We had made great time,
Senate Committee Decides on That Course Sailor's Weird Tale Special to The New York Times WASHINGTON, April 21. Chairman Smith of the Senate Subcommittee investigating th
New York. April 19.—Philips [sic], the first Marconi operator aboard the Titanic, stuck to his post till the last, jumped from the sinking ship, was taken aboard the life raft, and died before rescuers reached him, according to th
CIVIC RECEPTION ON BOARD AT JARROW The liner Olympic (45,439 tons gross) sailed from Southampton last evening on her last voyage to Jarrow, where she is to be broken up. Among the hundred people who waved the liner farewell were a
MERCHANT SHIPBUILDING --- CONTROLLER-GENERAL'S RETlREMENT --- The Prime Minister and the Shipping Controller have consented to the release from the end of the present month of the Right Hon. Lord Pirrie,
A postcard view of Ryde Pier, Isle of Wight, looking north towards the pierhead and Spithead, circa 1912. The Titanic would have passed this structure shortly after leaving Southampton on the first leg of her journey to Cherbourg.
The rear elevation of Southampton Terminus, circa 1912. Note the Southampton Corporation tramcar.
The small station at Southampton Pier, which was in use from 1891 until 1914. The excursion steamer is typical of those which ran across the Solent to and from the Isle of Wight.
A panoramic view of Southampton Terminus railway station, circa 1912, at which time it was known as Southampton Town & Dock.
Thomas Arthur Whiteley was most likely born in Withington, Manchester on 3rd April 1894 the son of Arthur Whiteley and Elizabeth Gillico. He gave his address in 1912 as 29 St. John's Park, Highgate, London. Prior to joining the T
The attendance at both perfomances at the Merrimack Square theatre yesterday was extraordinarily large, and the many patrons seemed well satisfied with the bill as presented, for practically each number was received with loud applause.
Thomas Whiteley, Tells of Hearing Men Who Were in Crows Nest Express Indignation Because Mr. Murdock, the First Officer, Repeatedly Refused to Act on Their Report of Danger.
John William Thompson, Thomas Whiteley, William McIntyre, Emilio Pallas y Castillo are shown in New York after the sinking. Whiteley was being treated at St. Vincent's Hospital
The 27th May 1912 Lowell Sun, Lowell, Massachsetts, carried the following advertisement: Merrimack Square Theatre "The Coolest Spot in Town" QUALITY AND QUANTITY THE WATCHWORDS FOR&nb
Philips, the first Marconi operator aboard the Titanic, stuck to his post until the last, jumped from the sinking ship, was taken aboard the life-raft and died before rescuers reached him, according to the story told here today by Thomas Whitely.
Mr. Thomas Whiteley, a steward on the Titanic, who was saved. He states that the two men in the crow's nest, who were rescued, were very indignant, and said that their warnings concerning the presence of an iceberg
“It Was the Gayest Night of Trip Among Diners,” Says Assistant Steward --- New York, N. Y., April 20---Propped up on pillows in a bed in St. Vincent's Hospital this afternoon, Thomas Whitely, an assistant steward in the f
In Mr Justice Darling's court yesterday Mr [W. Norman] Raeburn on behalf of the defendants in Whiteley v. Oceanic Steam Navigation Company (Limited), asked that a date should be fixed for the hearing. He said that the plaintiff, who was a
One night in 1994, at the tender age of 14, I sat glued to the TV watching the superb A&E documentary about the Titanic disaster. Having read and heard little of the Lordite claims about the SS Californian, however, save
Secrets of the Titanic... online
Tuesday 6th January 2009 3:38 PM
Liverpool Echo
THE Titanic disaster is THE major shipping disaster of all time. More lives have been lost in other ship-wrecks/sinkings but the Titanic remains the iconic disaster.
There were of course plenty of links to Liverpool at the time of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage in April 1912 and the documentary evidence that can be accessed relating to her crew and families is a huge bonus for genealogists interested in Titanic links.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Titanic sails again in Orlando
Friday 2nd January 2009 3:12 PM
Examiner.com
After being left homeless when the Mercado shopping center was emptied and demolished, Titanic: The Experience has a new, permanent home in a prime location on I-Drive. Whether you're fascinated by the history of the doomed oceanliner or just a fan of the movie, you'll be impressed by the extensive collection of memorabilia, including relics from Titanic herself, and the recreations of the Grand Staircase, a typical first class stateroom, the promenade deck, and other areas of the ship.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Titanic exhibit an emotional experience and chilling reminder of historical tragedy
Friday 2nd January 2009 3:07 PM
Las Vegas Weekly
There’s a definite chill in the air when you step out on the deck re-creation of the new Titanic exhibit. One moment you are marveling at the stunning staterooms and grand lobby of the great ship, and the next you’re so close to the icebergs, you can actually touch them.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Titanic letters up for auction
Friday 2nd January 2009 3:02 PM
United Press International
Two rare letters from first-class passengers aboard the doomed British ocean liner Titanic will hit the auction block next month, an auction house said Tuesday.
The letters on White Star Lines stationery are expected to fetch $10,000-$20,000 each when auctioned Jan. 16 at Spink Smythe in New York. There also will be online bidding, the auction house said in a news release.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Unique Titanic exhibition in Falmouth
Monday 29th December 2008 4:04 PM
Falmouth Penryn Packet
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s announcement of a new Titanic exhibition and a request for locals to get in touch with their memories has revealed some incredible stories.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Titanic exhibit opens at the Luxor
Tuesday 23rd December 2008 2:42 PM
KVBC
Never-before-seen pieces of the Titanic are debuting here in Las Vegas as the new Titanic exhibit opens at the Luxor.
It includes new artifacts that were recovered from the bottom of the ocean among the ship's remains. Some include dishes, belongings, and even an unopened bottle of champagne.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Sail the Titanic — and live
Monday 22nd December 2008 3:06 PM
Toronto Sun
A travelling exhibit showcasing hundreds of salvaged artifacts from the Titanic is drawing crowds here.
The show, which runs until April 2009, incorporates artifacts from the vessel and replicates sections of the ship.
Viewers can admire the grand staircase, peer into first- and third-class quarters, walk down the halls and discover the personal stories of passengers on board the doomed ship.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition to Permanently Dock At Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas December 20th
Friday 19th December 2008 3:11 PM
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PRXI 1.66, +0.00, +0.1%) announced today that Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will open at Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas December 20, 2008. Newly designed for Luxor, this blockbuster exhibition brings to life the story of the ill-fated Ship through its authentic artifacts, dramatic room recreations and hands-on interactive experiences.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Council gives green light to Belfast Titanic project
Wednesday 17th December 2008 2:37 PM
Irish Times
Work on a signature project to commemorate the Titanic is set to get under way next month after Belfast City Council gave the project the green light today.
The backing of councillors means all stakeholders have now rubber-stamped plans for a five-storey tourist attraction on the derelict shipyard where the famous liner was built almost 100 years ago.
The total cost of the project will be in the region of £100 million (€110 million).
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
Titanic tragedy display at Liverpool Museum
Monday 15th December 2008 11:19 PM
Click Liverpool
Fascinating objects salvaged from around the wreck of the liner Titanic, 2.5 miles down on the ocean floor are new attractions at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
The exhibits are a wrist watch, spectacles, a White Star Line cup, lead ventilation grill, a gold wristwatch, five tie pins and a five dollar banknote.
When the RMS Titanic sank on 15 April 1912, with the loss of 1,500 lives, she broke up as she plunged down into the depths. The bow and stern sections of the wreck lie 1,970 ft apart surrounded by debris scattered far and wide.
Submitted by Jason D. Tiller
One of the iconic images many of us carry from the sinking of Titanic is of the 705 people in lifeboats listening to the death cries of 1,500-plus people drowning in the North Atlantic after the ship sank. The trouble is, that&rsq
By and large the various British steamship company's officer's uniforms of the Edwardia
THIS photograph is the last known picture of RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage. It was taken at Crosshaven
Ceremony will honor tragic sinking BOSTON -- The oldest living survivor of the sinking of the Titanic wants to visit the site this summer and throw a rose into the Atlantic Ocean where her father went down with the ship 84 years ago.
A Song of the Sea Words by Edith Maida Lessing Music by Bernie Adler and Sidney Gibson Published 1912 by the Harold Rossiter Music Company, Chicago, USA Listen to this Piece [
1st Class Passengers
Still Alive Today
Children on the Titanic
Survivors of the Titanic disaster
How many people died in the Titanic disaster
Titanic Passenger List
Jack Dawson
Titanic Pictures
Iceberg
Captain Smith
- A Victim's Story
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