Charlotte Wardle Cardeza

Who was Mrs Charlotte Wardle Cardeza?

Mrs Charlotte Wardle Cardeza was a wealthy American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born into a family of textile entrepreneurs, she became known for her luxurious lifestyle and her experience as one of the most affluent survivors of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

Charlotte “Lottie” Wardle Drake was born on April 10, 1854, making her 58 (fifty-eight) years old at the time of the Titanic’s maiden voyage. She was the daughter of Thomas Drake, a textile entrepreneur born in Leeds, England, and his American wife, Matilda McCheshney. This Anglo-American heritage would play a significant role in shaping Charlotte’s future.

Marriage and Lifestyle

Who did Charlotte marry?

In 1874, at the age of 20 (twenty), Charlotte married James Warburton Martinez Cardeza. Following their marriage, the couple established themselves in an extravagant mansion named Montebello, located in Germantown, Pennsylvania. This residence would become a symbol of their wealth and social status.

The Titanic Journey

How did Mrs Cardeza travel on the Titanic?

Mrs Cardeza boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by an entourage that included:

Her son, Thomas Drake Martinez Cardeza
Her maid, Anna Ward
Her son’s valet, Gustave Lesueur

The Cardeza party occupied one of the most expensive suites on the ship, demonstrating their affluence and social standing.

What were the details of their accommodation?

Cabin Number: B-51/53/55
Ticket Number: 17755
Ticket Price: £512, 6s (equivalent to over $80,000 in 2023)

This suite was among the most luxurious on the Titanic, reflecting the Cardeza family’s status and wealth.

What did the Cardezas bring on board?

The Cardeza entourage traveled with an astonishing amount of luggage:

14 trunks
4 suitcases
3 crates of baggage

This extensive collection of belongings hints at the lavish lifestyle the Cardezas were accustomed to, even while traveling.

The Sinking and Rescue

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Mrs Cardeza and her entourage were among the fortunate passengers to be rescued. They were evacuated in lifeboat 3, ensuring their survival in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in modern history.

Aftermath and Insurance Claim

How much did Mrs Cardeza claim for her lost belongings?

Following the disaster, Mrs Cardeza filed a detailed insurance claim for her lost possessions. The claim amounted to a staggering £36,567 2s, equivalent to several million dollars in today’s currency. This enormous sum provides insight into the value of the belongings the Cardezas traveled with and lost in the sinking.

Legacy and Later Life

Charlotte Cardeza’s experience on the Titanic and her subsequent survival became a significant part of her life story. Her wealth and the extravagant nature of her travel arrangements have made her a notable figure in Titanic history, often cited as an example of the first-class passengers’ luxurious lifestyles.

Mrs Cardeza lived for many years after the Titanic disaster. She passed away on August 1, 1939, at the age of 85 (eighty-five). Her final resting place is at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

An Interesting Fact

Despite the trauma of the Titanic sinking, Mrs Cardeza’s claim for her lost belongings stands out as one of the most detailed and valuable submitted after the disaster. This meticulous accounting of her possessions provides historians with a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the era’s ultra-wealthy, preserving a snapshot of Edwardian luxury frozen in time by the tragedy of the Titanic.