Robert William Norman Leyson

Robert William Norman Leyson was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old English solicitor and mining engineer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born into a prominent Welsh family, Leyson’s journey on the Titanic was cut short, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be remembered over a century later.

Early Life and Background

Who was Robert William Norman Leyson?

Robert William Norman Leyson was born on March 31, 1887, in Kensington, London, England. He was the son of Robert Thomas Leyson, a well-known solicitor, and Jessie Gertrude Richards, both natives of Glamorganshire, Wales.

Family and Upbringing

Robert came from a large family, being one of seven children:

Jessie Gladys (1877-1962)
Ethel Gwendreth (1879-1940)
Helen Mary (1880-1970)
Esther Kate (1881-1969)
Emma Maude (1884-1966)
Robert William Norman (1887-1912)
Leyson Thomas (b. 1891)

The Leyson family had strong ties to Wales, with Robert appearing on the 1891 census living at Westbrook in Swansea. By 1901, the family had moved to Bloomfield in Sketty, Glamorganshire, though Robert’s whereabouts during this time are unknown, likely due to his schooling.

Professional Life

Despite following in his father’s footsteps as a solicitor, Robert’s career took an interesting turn. While the 1911 census described him as a solicitor, most other records, including his Masonic Lodge induction, listed him as an engineer, specifically a mining engineer.

Robert was inducted into the Cambrian Lodge of the Masonic Order on January 16, 1912, just months before his fateful journey.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Robert Leyson on the Titanic?

Robert Leyson boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. His intention was to join his brother Leyson in New York, possibly to accompany him to a mining enterprise in British Columbia.

Titanic Ticket Details

Ticket Number: 29566
Fare: £10 10s
Class: Second Class

Interestingly, Robert was originally booked to travel aboard another ship, but his passage was transferred to the Titanic due to the coal strikes affecting other sailings.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Robert Leyson during the Titanic sinking?

Robert Leyson tragically lost his life in the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett and buried at sea on April 24, 1912.

Recovery Details

The details of Robert’s recovery paint a poignant picture of his final moments:

Detail	Description
Body Number	108
Estimated Age	25
Hair	Dark
Clothing	Green and brown mixture suit; white striped shirt; black boots

Personal Effects

The following items were found with Robert’s body:

Keys with “Leyson” engraved
Glasses
Fountain pen
Pipe cleaner
Nickel watch
Charm
Gold tie clip
Pocketbook
Silver case with “R. W. N. I.” engraving
£4 in case
1s. 4d. in pocketbook

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Robert Leyson remembered?

Robert Leyson’s memory lives on through a touching memorial plaque at St Catwg’s Church in Cadoxton. The plaque reads:

In fond remembrance of A DEARLY BELOVED SON AND BROTHER ROBERT WILLIAM NORMAN LEYSON BORN 31st MARCH 1887. One of those left to drown in the catastrophe of the White Star steamship Titanic which foundered in the Atlantic with a loss of 1603 lives 15th April 1912. To a most affectionate and generous disposition he added integrity and industry and was so BELOVED BY ALL

Family Aftermath

Robert’s father, one of the oldest practicing solicitors in the UK, died on February 4, 1937.
His mother passed away on November 17, 1942.
Both parents spent their final years in London at Talgarth Mansions, Kensington.
Robert’s estate was not settled until May 29, 1943, at which point his effects were listed as nil.

The last known surviving sibling of Robert was his elder sister Helen “Nellie,” who died in Conway, Caernarvonshire, in 1970 at the age of 90 (ninety).

Robert William Norman Leyson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, leaving behind grieving families and unfulfilled potential. His journey from a prominent Welsh family to his untimely death on the Titanic continues to captivate those interested in the victims of this historic tragedy.