Who was Miss Alice Phoebe Harknett?

Miss Alice Phoebe Harknett was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old English domestic servant who tragically lost her life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Sewardstone Green, Essex, Alice was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to America in search of better opportunities, inspired by the stories of her friend who had emigrated earlier.

Early Life and Family

Alice Phoebe Harknett was born on October 15, 1890, in Sewardstone Green, Essex, England. She came from a working-class family, with her father Edmund Harknett working as a gun maker and her mother Jane Harknett originally hailing from Kent. Alice was the youngest of four children, with her siblings being:

• Ellen Florence (born 1884)
• Joseph Edmund (1886-1965)
• Rosa May (1888-1967)

Tragic Loss of Parents

Sadly, Alice experienced significant loss at a young age:

• Her mother Jane died in 1892 at the age of 29, when Alice was just two years old.
• Her father Edmund passed away in 1896 when Alice was only six years old.

These early losses likely shaped Alice’s character and her determination to seek a better life for herself.

Life as a Domestic Servant

By the time of the 1911 census, Alice had established herself as a domestic kitchen servant. She was employed at 16 Hyde Park Gardens in West London, working for a wealthy family. This position provided Alice with valuable experience and skills that she hoped to utilize in her planned move to America.

The Fateful Journey

What inspired Alice to travel to America?

Alice’s decision to embark on the Titanic was influenced by her friendship with the Ford family from Rotherfield, Sussex. In particular, Frances Mary Ford, who had emigrated to the United States in 1911, shared stories of the better life she was experiencing as a domestic servant in America. These tales of opportunity inspired not only Alice but also other members of the Ford family and their acquaintances, the Johnstons of Surrey, to make the journey.

Titanic Voyage Details

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Passenger Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 6609
• Ticket Cost: £7 11s (7 pounds, 11 shillings)

The Tragedy

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink. Despite the frantic efforts to evacuate passengers, many third-class passengers like Alice faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats. Tragically, Alice Harknett, along with the rest of her traveling companions, did not survive the disaster.

“Alice Harknett, along with the rest of those she was travelling with, died in the sinking. Her body, if recovered, was never identified.”

Legacy and Remembrance

While Alice’s life was cut short at the young age of 21 (twenty-one), her story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many who embarked on the Titanic. She represents the countless individuals who sought to build a better life in America but never had the chance to realize their ambitions.

Today, Alice Phoebe Harknett is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster. Her story, though tragic, helps to personalize the immense loss of life and the individual dreams that were shattered on that fateful night in April 1912.

As a final note, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that Alice’s journey began with hope and the promise of a new beginning. While her life ended tragically, her memory lives on as part of the enduring story of the Titanic and the lives it touched.