Mr William Beere

William Beere ¹ was born in Maidstone, Kent around 1893. He was the son of Susanna Beere (b. 1862 in Bideford, Devon) who was unmarried.

On the 1891 census, a few years before William's birth, his mother is listed as an unmarried servant at 4 Rocky Hill Terrace in Maidstone. By the time of the 1901 census an 8-year-old William is listed with his mother at 73 High Street, St Marylebone, Middlesex. His mother is listed as a widowed cook, when in fact she appears not have married at all. William was educated at St Andrews School, Hatton Gardens, Holborn.

On the 1911 census William and his mother (still describing herself as a widow) were listed as living at 35 Skipwith Buildings, Bourne Estate, Clerkenwell, Middlesex. His mother was described as an office cleaner and William himself as a printer's labourer.

When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 6 April 1912, William gave his address as 2 Avenue Cottages, Shirley, Hampshire. The Titanic was his first ship. As a kitchen porter he received monthly wages of £3 10s.

Beere, who was unmarried, died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

His mother benefited from the Titanic Relief Fund. What became of her is subsequent years is unknown.

A plaque commemorating William Beere was unveiled on May 16, 1912 at St Andrews School where William had attended.

Notes

1. Surname listed as Beer on 1891 and 1901 census returns and on his mother's birth record. Listed as Beere in 1911 census.

References and Sources

Titanic's Memorials, World-Wide, 1996, Ticehurst
Agreement and Account of Crew (PRO London, BT100/259)

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WILLIAM BEERE