The Titanic Pub in Southampton
Just a few yards from where RMS Titanic began her ill-fated maiden voyage stands a pub that quietly keeps Southampton's maritime history alive.
Today it is known simply as The Titanic, but its story began decades before the famous ship ever left the docks.
The Titanic Pub occupies a handsome Victorian building dating from the 1880s, when it was originally known as The Endeavour. Standing just yards from Dock 44 where RMS Titanic departed on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912, the building has a close connection to Southampton's maritime heritage.
In April 2012, to mark the centenary of the Titanic's voyage, the pub was renamed The Titanic, creating a lasting tribute to the ship and the city whose history is forever linked with her story.
The disaster claimed the lives of more than 500 people from Southampton, many of them crew members
To understand the pub's character, it's worth taking a look at the street it calls home. Located on Simnel Street, The Titanic is an iconic, traditionally British pub that has stood on this historic site for over a century. It originally served as a watering hole for dock workers and sailors but today welcomes tourists and cruise ship passengers as well as Southampton FC supporters on match days.
Simnel Street itself is one of the city’s oldest. Back then it consisted mainly of lodging houses and slum dwellings. An area where few people were brave enough to venture after dark
At one point, Simnel Street was only 5ft 8in wide, and near the Western Esplanade end the ancient houses were prevented from collapsing on the homes opposite by improvised wooden beams, which spanned the way just above the heads of passers-by below. There were also various courts and alleys leading off the street.
Looking Closer
One of the things I enjoyed most about illustrating The Titanic was capturing the Victorian brickwork and the distinctive corner turret.
The building has a wonderful balance of strength and elegance, and the traditional hanging pub sign adds another layer of character.
These are the details that often disappear in a quick photograph but become the focus of a pen and ink drawing.
When I draw historic buildings like The Titanic, I'm not simply recording bricks and mortar. I'm trying to capture a small piece of Southampton's story before time changes it forever.
Every weathered brick and every corner of this remarkable pub has witnessed generations of local life, from dock workers and sailors to football supporters and visitors from around the world.
If you'd like to bring a little of Southampton's history into your own home, prints of my illustration are available at www.kevhardy.com.