Memorial to the Engine Room Heroes of the Titanic

Circa 1916
Grade II

This granite monument is located in St. Nicholas Place a few metres north of the floating roadway. It takes the form of a 14.6 metres high obelisk with integral sculpture by Sir William Goscombe John, surmounted by a gilded flame.   

The memorial was originally intended to be for the thirty two engineers who stayed at their posts on the tragic night of 15th April 1912 when the Titanic (built in Belfast for the Liverpool based White Star Line) sank. 

However, World War I broke out before its completion, and despite some objections, its dedication was broadened to include all maritime engine room fatalities incurred during the performance of duty. 

Even so the monument is still identified most strongly with the Titanic and arouses great interest because of that particular association.   

The memorial is an exceptionally early example of a monument raised to working men. The figures are treated with a high degree of naturalism, the detail of their work-clothes being carefully studied.