Controversial Titanic Memorial: Captain Smith Sculpture In Lichfield

Captain Smith’s Titanic Legacy

The sculpture of Commander Edward John Smith in Lichfield, England, is one of the most controversial Titanic memorials. Smith was a very experienced sea captain who was well liked by both crew members and travelers that cruised with him, he likewise had a history of being included in nautical accidents. When the Titanic sank in 1912, many held Smith accountable.

Sign Park Location & Accessibility

The sculpture lies in the section of Sign Park beside Swan Road; it stands simply east of the park’s tennis courts. The park, which is open 1 day a day, lies extremely near to the center of Lichfield. It is a 10-minute leave Lichfield Bus Terminal and Lichfield City Train Terminal. Vehicle parking is offered at several locations around the park and in the city.

Nevertheless, some individuals still wished to memorialize Leader Smith after he passed away in the catastrophe. In 1913, a person– perhaps Smith’s partner– positioned a memorial tablet in Hanley, near Stone-on-Trent, where Smith was birthed.

Reasons for Lichfield Placement

For factors that are still uncertain, the memorial board decided to place the statue in Sign Park in Lichfield, an inland city without any connection to Commander Smith or the Titanic. Some assume that the committee selected Lichfield due to the fact that it lies halfway in between London and Liverpool, which was where White Celebrity Line– the company that owned the RMS Titanic– was headquartered. Others guess that Smith’s hometown of Hanley did not want the statue, wanting to avoid association with the man nominally responsible for the Titanic sinking. Some Lichfieldians are thought to have opposed versus the sculpture’s placement in their city as well. Some insist that the sculpture was placed in Lichfield due to the fact that it is the facility of the diocese that includes Hanley.