Plaque unveiled to honour Titanic engineer, Jonathan Shepherd

Jonathan Shepherd was just 32 and one of 24 engineers aboard the RMS Titanic who died when their ship went down after it hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 15, 1912.

Whitehaven Heritage Action Group has marked Shepherd’s bravery and connection with the town by placing a plaque on the frontage of the Georgian House Hotel on Church Street.

He was born in Whitehaven in1880 and had lived with his family at 9 Church Street, now incorporated into the hotel.

The plaque made by Croft Castings of Whitby, was funded with contributions by the former mayor of Whitehaven, Charles Maudling, who used his town council ward allowance, and Stephanie Skelly, owner of the Georgian House Hotel.

An unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday, hosted by Michael Moon, chairman of the Heritage Group.

Frank Lewthwaite, 95, a Titanic enthusiast, performed the unveiling and was joined by Cliff Ismay of Workington, who is linked to the Ismays of Maryport, founders of the White Star Line (owners of the Titanic).

Titanic enthusiast, Frank Lewthwaite, 95, performs the unveiling, and is joined by Michael Moon, chairman of Whitehaven Heritage Group and Cliff Ismay, a relative of the founders of White Star Line, owners of the Titanic (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Moon said: “Today’s event is a culmination of months of work bringing about this commemoration.

“Making the most of this town’s wonderful heritage is our main priority and we have a long history of successfully achieving projects that improve and enhance its history.

“We express our grateful thanks to Stephanie of the Georgian House Hotel and to Charles Maudling, who have funded today’s event.”

Mr Ismay said: “A lot of people don’t know that Jonathan Shepherd was probably the Titanic’s first victim. He was working in boiler room number five and was manning the pipes and pumps, trying to get the water out.

“As the boiler room was filling with water, he couldn’t see the deck below and fell into a manhole and broke his leg. He was stuck there and couldn’t get out. But he died a hero.”

Stephanie Skelly, owner of the Georgian House Hotel, speaks at the unveiling ceremony (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking after the unveiling, Mr Maudling said: “It has been a pleasure to support Whitehaven Heritage Action Group over the years. What they have done for the history of the town, is absolutely marvellous. They are keeping our history alive.”

Mr Ismay added: “I think the guys at Whitehaven Heritage Action Group have done a sterling job. Jonathan Shepherd is one of the engineers who is not given the recognition he is deserved.

“It’s fantastic to see the town of Whitehaven remembering this great man. It’s fantastic Stephanie has agreed and assisted with having a plaque outside The Georgian House.”

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, who attended the event, said: “We have got so much history in Whitehaven. It’s good to see more of it being celebrated. I want to see more recognition of our history.”