Ship reflected society’s class divide
IN 1912 when the Titanic set sail for America, class played a major part in society.
It was the same on the most iconic ship of all, with passengers split into first class, second class and third class.
Those travelling in first class were the richest on board while some of the third class passengers thought they were leaving poverty behind for an exciting new life.
There were big differences in facilities and food for those travelling in the various sections.
For those in first class, public rooms included a reception room, reading and writing room and smoking room. There was also a gym and squash court as well as Turkish baths.
Everything in first class was the height of luxury, from the 114 foot dining room to the Grand staircase, which was around 60 feet in size from the lower landing to the glass skyline above.
The accommodation was also of the highest order, with 39 private suites which included private toilet facilities.
Some members of the British aristocracy and extremely wealthy people were on the Titanic in the
20
The number of lifeboats on the
Titanic first class compartments. They included multi-millionaire Colonel John Jacob Astor IV (below), one of the richest men in the world.
Travelling as a second class passenger was not considered a hardship either, as both the facilities and accommodation were very good.
The third class passengers travelled in much less luxurious surroundings, though it is noted that the Titanic had better third class facilities than other ships.
8
That’s how many musicians were in the orchestra on board the ship
For third class passengers on board, who included British, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants and passengers from Central and Eastern Europe, their accommodation was comprised mainly of two to six berth rooms.
On the first class lunch menu passengers could enjoy roast beef, grilled mutton chops and Chicken a la Maryland.
Those in second class were offered baked haddock, spring lamb in mint sauce and roast turkey in cranberry sauce while dishes for the passengers in third class included rice soup and boiled potatoes .
As you would expect, the cost of tickets to sail on the Titanic were different depending on whether you were a first, second or third class passenger.
For a first class parlour suite in 1912, the cost was £870. Today it would be just over £93,600.
For a first class berth, a one way ticket was £30, a second class berth was £12 and third class berths ranged from £3 to £8.
When the Titanic hit the iceberg and started to sink, a larger percentage of third class passengers died in comparison to those travelling in first and second class.
6,000
7,000
heads of lettuce were taken on the luxury
ship