Charles Louch

Who was Charles Louch?

Charles Louch was a 50 (fifty) year-old English saddler, businessman, and lay preacher who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, in early 1862, Louch was known for his craftsmanship in saddlery, his devotion to the Wesleyan Church, and his ill-fated journey aboard the Titanic as a second-class passenger.

Early Life and Family

A Somerset Upbringing

Charles Louch was born into a family with a rich heritage in saddlery. His father, Samuel Louch (1827-1892), was a saddler by trade, and his mother, Maria Gould (1832-1895), was also a Somerset native. Charles grew up with one sibling, William, born in 1859.

The Louch family’s roots in Weston-Super-Mare ran deep, as evidenced by their long-term residence at 25 Regent Street, where they were recorded in both the 1871 and 1881 censuses. It was in this bustling seaside town that young Charles would learn the intricate art of saddlery, following in his father’s footsteps.

Marriage and Children

In the spring of 1890, at the age of 28, Charles married Alice Adelaide Slow, a native of Middlesex born in 1869. Their union would prove to be fruitful, resulting in six children:

1. Samuel Bernard (1891-1973)
2. Sidney Charles (1893-1979)
3. William Bertram (1895-1927)
4. Clarence William (1896-1945)
5. Edith Gertrude (1901-1982, later Mrs. Trevor R. John)
6. Cecil Stanley (1902-1977)

The newly married couple initially settled in Taunton, Somerset, where the 1891 census described Charles as a “saddle and harness manufacturer” residing at 18 North Street.

Professional Life and Community Involvement

The Saddlery Business

Charles Louch’s professional life was deeply rooted in the family tradition of saddlery. As he matured, he transitioned from being an assistant to his father to becoming a well-respected saddle and harness manufacturer in his own right. His expertise in this craft would be passed down to his children, with his two eldest sons following in his footsteps to become saddlers themselves.

A Man of Faith

Beyond his business acumen, Charles was known for his deep religious convictions and active participation in church life. He was:

• A frequent lay preacher in the Wesleyan Church
• A member of the Clarence Park Baptist Church, where he ran the Sunday School
• Previously a devoted member of the Wadham Street Baptist Church in Weston-Super-Mare

His commitment to his faith was evident even in the days leading up to his fateful Titanic voyage. Just two weeks before departure, Charles occupied the pulpit at the Lympsham Wesleyan Church, where he made references to his impending journey.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Charles Louch on the Titanic?

Charles and his wife Alice had planned a visit to California to see his brother William and his wife (also named Alice), who had established a laundry business there. This family reunion would unfortunately never come to pass.

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

On April 10, 1912, Charles and Alice boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers. Their ticket, number 3085, cost £26, a considerable sum at the time. During the voyage, the couple shared a dining table with fellow passengers Edwina Troutt, Edgar Andrew, Frank Andrew, Jacob Milling, and Bertha Ilett, creating fleeting friendships in what would be their final days.

The Tragedy Unfolds

Charles Louch did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was recovered from the sea on April 23, 1912, by the cable-laying vessel Mackay-Bennett. The recovery report provides a poignant description of Charles and his personal effects:

NO. 121 — MALE — ESTIMATED AGE 48 — BEARD AND MOUSTACHE, BLACK

CLOTHING — Fawn waterproof; grey mixed suit; pyjamas underneath; money belt.

EFFECTS — One knife; two memo books; fountain pen; purse and £1; London City & Midland Bank, £140, pocket book; £7 10s. 4 1/2d.

SECOND CLASS NAME - CHAS LOUCH Weston-Super-Mare

Charles was buried at sea the day after his body was recovered, a common practice due to the limited storage capacity on the recovery ships.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

The loss of Charles Louch had a profound impact on his family and community. His estate, valued at £5,537, 19s, 4d (a substantial sum in 1912), was administered to his widow on June 3, 1912.

The family business continued despite the tragedy. Charles’ sons William and Charles carried on the saddlery tradition in Weston-Super-Mare, eventually relocating the shop to 58 Regent Street.

Alice Louch, now a widow, returned to England after the disaster. She later moved to Bristol, where she passed away on April 29, 1949, having lived for nearly four decades after losing her husband to the sea.

The last surviving child of Charles and Alice, Edith, lived a long life, passing away in Weston-Super-Mare in 1982, seventy years after her father’s tragic death on the Titanic.

Charles Louch’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the individual lives and dreams cut short by the Titanic disaster. His legacy lives on through his descendants and in the annals of Titanic history, a testament to the enduring impact of that fateful night in April 1912.