The Argory connection to the ill-fated HMS Birkenhead uncovered
AHOY THERE ITS THE STORY OF THE BIRKENHEAD AT THE ARGORY �� Visitors to the National Trust property�of The Argory, Moy,will discover the heroic tales of Captain Shelton, 2nd owner of The Argory and survivor of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead. The Birkenhead was one of the most documented maritime disasters before the Titanic and was the first ship to coin the phrase Women and Children First!�Visitors can discover his heroic tales on board, enjoy a fun and interactive room with activities such as semaphore flag navigation, spot the smells of the Birkenhead and The Argory treasure trail. Look out for��living history interpretation featuring the man himself - Captain Shelton on 15 April, �24 June,��18 and 19 August. � Helping to launch the exhibition at The Argory was Captain Shelton aka��Denis Halligan.
WITH the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic (April 15, 1912) hitting the headlines around the world, the National Trust property of the Argory is telling the lesser-known tale of the demise of HMS Birkenhead, which disappeared beneath the waves off South Africa in February 26, 1852.
Why the Birkenhead - and why the Argory? Well, the second owner of the Argory was Captain Ralph Shelton, who survived the sinking of the aid ship. He was not the ship’s captain but an Army captain on the steam frigate which hit the rocks at Danger Point near Cape Town and covered himself in glory by swimming to safety through shark-infested water and saving two children into the bargain.
The Birkenhead was one of the most documented maritime disasters before the Titanic and was in fact the first-ever ship to have coined the phrase ‘Women and Children First!’ With an insufficient number of serviceable lifeboats on board, the soldiers and seamen famously stood firm, allowing the women and children to board the boats safely. However, a total of around 450 perished that fateful day.
So the dearth of lifeboats - and the fact that the Birkenhead also called at Queenstown, Ireland (now Cobh) shows that the two ships had much in common.
Visitors to The Argory this season will learn about Captain Shelton’s life before the sinking and his time as a member of the 12th Royal Lancers. Visitors can discover his heroic tales on board and a fun and interactive room with activities such as semaphore flag navigation, spot the smells of the Birkenhead and The Argory treasure trail will appeal to adults and children alike.
“The story of Captain Shelton’s life, his journey on the Birkenhead and the aftermath of the sinking is an intriguing story” said Claire Donnelly, Visitor Services Manager for National Trust Mid Ulster properties.
“We are so excited to be sharing Captain Shelton’s story, 160 years on, especially and in a year where maritime history is so evident in Northern Ireland. Not only will visitors hear our unique stories, through living history interpretation but can also see a unique piece of history; the vest that Captain Shelton wore on the night of the sinking as he swam to shore through shark infested waters.
But the Titanic isn’t forgotten by the National Trust. Not all that far from the Argory - at Springhill in Moneymore is a unique link with The Titanic. For the first time ever, visitors there will be able to see an original hand-written letter, scribed by 11-year-old Eileen Lenox-Conyngham on board the Titanic in 1912.
But the Titanic isn’t forgotten by the National Trust. Not all that far from the Argory - at Springhill in Moneymore is a unique link with The Titanic. For the first time ever, visitors there will be able to see an original hand-written letter, scribed by 11-year-old Eileen Lenox-Conyngham on board the Titanic in 1912.
The letter, written on White Star Line headed paper dated 10 April 1912, will capture the hearts of many. Eileen Lenox-Conyngham, started her journey as a first class passenger with her family, they boarded at Southampton and fortunately were only crossing the channel to disembark in Cherbourg, before travelling on to Paris for their family holiday. Visitors to Springhill can discover Eileen’s story, enjoy afternoon tea, visit the Titanic costume collection and the fun and interactive interpretation room, which will also reveal stories about life in 1912, from travel through to communication and education.
Birkenhead – The Argory Story will opened at The Argory on Sunday April 15 and Titanic – The Springhill Story will launch on April 28 and 29 and a series of events will take place throughout the season.
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Weather for Portadown
Thursday 23 May 2013
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