Mr Percival Thorneycroft

Who was Percival Thorneycroft?

Percival Thorneycroft was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old English general labourer who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster. Born in 1875 in Leeds, Kent, England, Thorneycroft was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his wife Florence Kate Thorneycroft to start a new life in Clinton, New York.

Early Life and Background

A Kent Native’s Humble Beginnings

Percival Thorneycroft was born in the closing months of 1875 in Leeds, Kent, England. He was baptized on January 9, 1876, marking the beginning of his short but eventful life. Thorneycroft came from a working-class background, with his father Thomas Thorneycroft (1831-1889) employed as an agricultural labourer and his mother Drusilla Page (1848-1928) tending to the family.

Family and Siblings

Percival was one of four children in the Thorneycroft family:

• May (born 1879)
• Hilda Isabel (born 1881)
• George Henry (born 1884)
• Percival (born 1875)

Early Career and Marriage

Following in his father’s footsteps, Percival began his working life as an agricultural labourer. His commitment to hard work would later lead him to become a general labourer, broadening his skills and opportunities.

On December 26, 1899, Percival married Florence Kate Stears, a native of Hollingbourne, Kent. The couple’s union was blessed with a son, John Frederick, born in 1907. Tragically, their only child passed away in infancy, adding a layer of poignancy to their decision to seek a new life across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Thorneycrofts board the Titanic?

Percival and Florence Thorneycroft boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, with dreams of starting anew in Clinton, New York. They were part of the third-class passengers, reflecting their working-class status and limited financial means.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

• Ticket Number: 376564
• Fare: £16 2s (16 pounds and 2 shillings)
• Class: Third Class

The Thorneycrofts’ last known address before embarking on their fateful journey was 14 Walter Street, Penge, London. They were not alone in their adventure, as they traveled with a fellow Kent native, Stephen Guest.

The Night of the Disaster

What happened to Percival Thorneycroft during the sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Percival and Florence made their way to the communal third-class areas. In the chaos that ensued, a heart-wrenching separation occurred. Florence was among a group of women led to the lifeboats by crewmen, while Percival, like many other steerage men, was prevented from following under threat of being shot.

The separation of Percival and Florence Thorneycroft during the Titanic’s final moments highlights the tragic class distinctions that persisted even in the face of disaster.

Percival’s Fate

Tragically, Percival Thorneycroft did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. He became one of the many victims of this historic maritime disaster, leaving behind a grieving widow and unfulfilled dreams of a new life in America.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Percival Thorneycroft’s life was cut short at the age of 36 (thirty-six), his story remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His experience underscores the often-overlooked narratives of third-class passengers, whose hopes and aspirations were just as vivid as those in the more luxurious accommodations above.

Florence’s Survival and Return

In a bittersweet twist of fate, Florence Kate Thorneycroft survived the sinking and returned to England. Her survival ensured that Percival’s memory and their shared dream of a new life would not be entirely lost to the depths of the Atlantic.

Remembering the Forgotten

Percival Thorneycroft’s story, like those of many third-class passengers, serves as a crucial reminder of the diverse lives affected by the Titanic tragedy. It compels us to look beyond the famous names and consider the dreams, struggles, and ultimate sacrifices of ordinary individuals caught in an extraordinary moment of history.