Algernon Henry Barkworth: Titanic Survivor and English Justice of the Peace

Who was Algernon Henry Barkworth?

Algernon Henry Barkworth was a 47 (forty-seven) year-old English Justice of the Peace who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born into a wealthy family in Yorkshire, Barkworth led a life of privilege and public service, becoming a respected member of his community and a first-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on June 4, 1864, in Tranby House, Hessle, Yorkshire, England, Algernon was the youngest of four children born to Henry Barkworth (1822-1898) and Catherine Hester Smith (1838-1915). His father was a timber merchant, farmer, and landowner, while his mother hailed from British parents in Kerala, India.

The Barkworth family had deep roots in Hessle, dating back to the 18th century. Algernon’s great-grandfather, John Barkworth, a merchant, built Tranby House in the early 1800s. This ancestral home would play a significant role throughout Algernon’s life.

Education and Early Career

While specific details about Algernon’s education are scarce, census records suggest he may have attended boarding school. By 1891, he had returned to the family home, though his profession at the time was not stated. It wasn’t until later in life that Algernon would find his calling in public service.

A Life of Privilege and Public Service

Justice of the Peace

In 1903, at the age of 39, Algernon Barkworth was appointed Justice of the Peace for the East Riding of Yorkshire. This position, which he held for 35 years, was a testament to his standing in the community and his commitment to public service.

Titanic Voyage and Survival

At the age of 47, Barkworth boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger. His ticket (number 27042) cost £30, a significant sum at the time, and he was assigned to cabin A23. This journey marked Barkworth’s first trip to the United States, where he planned to spend a month.

Titanic Experience

• Ticket Number: 27042
• Cabin: A23
• Ticket Cost: £30
• Lifeboat: Collapsible B

On the night of April 14, 1912, Barkworth was engaged in a debate about road-building with fellow passengers Charles Cresson Jones and Arthur Gee. As the ship struck the iceberg, Barkworth’s quick thinking and resourcefulness would prove crucial to his survival.

“As the ship sank deeper, I pulled a heavy fur coat over my lifebelt, threw my briefcase into the water, and stepped in after them. The coat and belt buoyed me up.”

Barkworth managed to make his way to the overturned Collapsible B lifeboat, where he eventually found safety. After his rescue aboard the Carpathia, he sent a telegram to his family: “Am safe on board Carpathia - Algy.”

Life After the Titanic

Following the disaster, Barkworth briefly stayed in Concord, Massachusetts, before returning to England. He resumed his life at Tranby House and continued his duties as a Justice of the Peace. Barkworth never married, dedicating his life to public service and his community.

Eccentricities and Interests

Algernon Barkworth was known for his eccentricities:

• Avid animal lover
• Collector of curios
• Member of the East Riding County Council

Final Years and Legacy

Barkworth lived in Tranby House until his death on January 7, 1945, at the age of 80 (eighty). He was buried alongside his sister Evelyn in Mill Lane Cemetery, Kirk Ella, Yorkshire.

His ancestral home, Tranby House, later became Hessle High School and is now a listed building, preserving the legacy of the Barkworth family and their most famous son, the Titanic survivor Algernon Henry Barkworth.

Algernon Barkworth’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and offers a unique glimpse into the life of an English gentleman in the early 20th century, from the luxurious cabins of the Titanic to the bench of the East Riding magistrates.