How Sunderland stepped up to support the Titanic victims' families

‘One of the most appalling the world has ever known’
By Chris Cordner
Published 15th Apr 2024, 10:45 BST
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Sunderland’s population was stirred into action after news spread of the Titanic disaster.

More than 1,500 people lost their lives when the ship hit an iceberg and the world was in shock.

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But Sunderland was ready to help. And the Mayor Edward Hazard Brown led the way with a rallying call to the people.

Historian Derek Holcroft takes up his story.

‘Appalling loss of life’

Mayor Brown had a letter published in the Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette in 1912.

Mayor's Brown's appeal to the people of Sunderland which appeared in the Echo in 1912.Mayor's Brown's appeal to the people of Sunderland which appeared in the Echo in 1912.
Mayor's Brown's appeal to the people of Sunderland which appeared in the Echo in 1912.

He told how a charity matinee was being planned at the Empire Theatre.

Mayor Brown asked for the people of Sunderland to send cheques or postal orders for small amounts, to the Town Hall.

Sunderland's Town Hall was taking donations for people wanting to help the Titanic Appeal.Sunderland's Town Hall was taking donations for people wanting to help the Titanic Appeal.
Sunderland's Town Hall was taking donations for people wanting to help the Titanic Appeal.
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He was hoping locals would respond ‘in connection with the disastrous accident to the Titanic and the appalling loss of life.”

‘Plunged into such sorrow’

The Titanic which sank in 1912, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.The Titanic which sank in 1912, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
The Titanic which sank in 1912, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

He called for collections ‘at all the shipyards, engine shops, offices, collieries, laundries, and shops.

“I would also like our churches and chapels to assist in this fund, and suggest retiring the collection at each place of worship Sunday first if possible. 

“Seeing we are  a shipbuilding centre, I think it is only fitting it should our best to assist those who are plunged into such sorrow by this accident on the sea, which will historically be one of the most appalling the world has ever known.”

Our thanks go to Derek for sharing another story of Sunderland compassion at a dark time for the world.

Related topics:SunderlandPeopleChurchesNostalgia

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