My online Titanic Newsletter stated April 1st, 1912 was the date originally planned for Titanic's much awaited sea trials. However, due to the high winds around Belfast, which would have made sailing her down the narrow channel of the River Lagan hazardous, the trials were postponed until April 2nd. There was still plenty to do inside the vessel so the time was certainly not wasted.
When Tuesday, April 2nd dawned, the weather was clear enough to undertake the trials and crowds gathered on the banks of the river to witness Titanic's grand passage. Shortly before 6:00 a.m., the tugs guided the Titanic from her berth into open water. After a morning of manouvering tests, at 2:00 p.m. the Titanic was set on a straight course out into the Irish Sea. At about 8:00 p.m. the Titanic departed for Southampton. After an uneventful 600 mile voyage she took her place in Berth 44 from where she would soon depart on her maiden voyage.
When Tuesday, April 2nd dawned, the weather was clear enough to undertake the trials and crowds gathered on the banks of the river to witness Titanic's grand passage. Shortly before 6:00 a.m., the tugs guided the Titanic from her berth into open water. After a morning of manouvering tests, at 2:00 p.m. the Titanic was set on a straight course out into the Irish Sea. At about 8:00 p.m. the Titanic departed for Southampton. After an uneventful 600 mile voyage she took her place in Berth 44 from where she would soon depart on her maiden voyage.
Titanic countdown... a mere 13 days remaining until her foundering.
April 2, 1912 R.M.S. Titanic sea trial photo |
On April 6, 1912 they began loading cargo onto the ship. 437 casks of tea [800 lbs.] was on the cargo list.
Royal Crown Derby is reissuing the china pattern used in the à la carte Restaurant [which Titanic passengers referred to as the "Ritz"], in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of its sinking. In the style of Louis XVI, it features a delicate gold encrusted border with printed ornaments of Chaplet and Festoons finished in tints of green.
Royal Crown Derby 1911 Pattern Book |
A teacup close-up. Isn't it beautiful? It can be yours for £ 102 or $174.99 U.S.!
[Obtainable in the U.S. at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN or Branson, MO]
Tomorrow's post will be about a special Titanic event.
Thank you for this history! I have a blue/white replica pattern from the ship.
ReplyDeleteI have John Harney's special Edition Tea in my store and it is very pretty. Very nice post here!
ReplyDeleteI love the china! Glorious! I'd love to try the tea.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Beth
What gorgeous replica china--I sure hope any extras end up at T.J. Maxx! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the news about the commemorative teas. Must check these out!
Phyllis, thank you for posting about the Harney tea. I didn't know about it, and haven't been on ATAA much lately if it was posted there. I've ordered 2, one for me, and one for my Titanic-collector friend. It would be great if it was here by Friday so I can give it to her at our Titanic Costume Walkabout at the Del Mar Antique Show in San Diego. But I'll keep my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Val