Henry James Beauchamp

Who was Mr Henry James Beauchamp?

Mr Henry James Beauchamp was a 43-year-old English steward who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Bishopstoke, Hampshire, he worked as a head steward in a London club before embarking on his ill-fated journey aboard the Titanic as a second-class passenger.

Early Life and Family

Henry James Beauchamp was born on November 11, 1868, in Bishopstoke, Hampshire, England. He was baptized on February 28 the following year. His parents were:

Father: Dan Beauchamp (born 1847), a railway porter from Wiltshire
Mother: Mary Ware (born 1842), from Hampshire

Interestingly, Henry’s parents were unmarried at the time of his birth, tying the knot in early 1869. The Beauchamp family grew to include three more children:

Julia Elizabeth (born 1871)
Robert John (born 1873)
Frederick Charles (born 1876)

Childhood and Relocations

The Beauchamp family’s early years were marked by several moves:

1871: Living in West Dean, Wiltshire
Late 1870s: Moved to London
1881: Residing at 5 Milton Street, Clapham
1891: Living at 3 Howard Street

During their time in Clapham, Henry’s father transitioned from a railway porter to a brakeman, showcasing the family’s connection to the railway industry.

Career and Personal Life

How did Henry Beauchamp begin his career in hospitality?

Henry’s journey in the hospitality industry began in his early adulthood. By 1891, he had left home and was working as a coffee waiter at the prestigious Union Club in Trafalgar Square, London. This early experience in high-end establishments would shape his future career path.

Marriage and Family

On August 13, 1899, Henry married Harriet Neta Dales (born 1874) in Pocklington, East Yorkshire. Harriet hailed from Aberford near Leeds. The couple settled in London and had two sons:

William Dales (1900-1991)
David Awlyn Savorey (1908-1993)

The family’s residences in London included:

1901: 38 Grantham Road, Lambeth
1911: 39 Lansdowne Road, Clapham

By 1911, Henry had progressed in his career and was working as a head steward in a London club, a position that likely required significant skill and experience in the hospitality industry.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Henry Beauchamp on the Titanic?

Henry boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a second-class passenger. He was traveling with Percival Sharp, and they shared ticket number 244358, which cost £26. Intriguingly, their reason for traveling and exact destination remain unknown, adding a layer of mystery to Henry’s final voyage.

The Tragic Fate

Sadly, Mr. Beauchamp did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 43 (forty-three) years old at the time of his death.

The Search for Henry Beauchamp

While Henry’s body was never officially identified, there is a possibility that his remains were among those recovered by the Mackay-Bennett. Body No. 194, described below, bears some resemblance to Henry:

NO. 194. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 35. LIGHT - HAIR. CLOTHING- Grey overcoat; artex singlet; night shirt; dress trousers. EFFECTS- A gold ring, marked “H.B.”; knife; £1; 18 francs; keys.

The initials “H.B.” on the gold ring align with Henry Beauchamp’s name, though the estimated age is younger than his actual age. This body was ultimately buried at sea, a common practice for many Titanic victims.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

Henry’s untimely death left a lasting impact on his family. His widow, Harriet, never remarried and later relocated to Crosby near Liverpool. She lived for many years after the tragedy, passing away in 1954 at the age of 80.

Henry James Beauchamp’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. From his humble beginnings in Hampshire to his rise in the London hospitality scene, Henry’s journey ended abruptly on that fateful night in April 1912. His tale, like many others, continues to captivate those who study the Titanic’s history, reminding us of the human cost behind one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.