This year marks 100 years since the ‘unsinkable ship’ pulled away from the White Star Dock in Southampton before tragically striking an iceberg.

The disaster made headlines across the world, but had a particularly devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Most of the crew lived in the city and over 500 households lost at least one family member, counting for more than a third of the total lives lost that night on 15 April 1912.

To mark the catastrophe, flags flew at half-mast across Southampton, condolence notices filled the local newspapers and a memorial service was held at St Mary’s Church on 20 April. Surviving crew returning to Southampton were met by crowds at Southampton West (now Central) Station and welcomed by the Mayor, Henry Bowyer and White Star Line manager Philip Curry.

The occasion was marked by an open-air service at the Marlands on 29 April attended by around 50,000 people.

This year the city will commemorate the anniversary with a series of events and activities, mostly in April. This will include an open exhibition on the theme of the Titanic by artists from all over the South Coast at the Southampton City Art Gallery from 17 March, as well as an orchestral concert at the Queen Elizabeth Terminal on 10 April.

On the actual anniversary, St. Mary’s will hold its annual service lead by Reverend Dr Julian Davies.