Titanic Belfast Unveils Lesser Known Love Story

Titanic Belfast is celebrating Valentine's Day by marking one of the lesser known love stories from onboard the locally-built ship.

Almost 108 years on from the tragedy that took the lives of 1,500 crew and passengers, the Belfast visitor attraction is inviting visitors to learn of a relatively unknown romantic tale.

The story of Titanic has captured hearts and minds worldwide, arguably none more so than the love story between Kate and Leo's Jack and Rose as told in James Cameron's 1997 film. Despite being based on fictional characters, the classic is still listed as one of the best love stories of all time.

Now, the home of the Titanic, is encouraging fans to discover some of the real, lesser known tales, including that of Mary Eloise Hughes Smith who lost her husband as they returned home from honeymoon early after discovering she was pregnant.

Lucian lost his life in the tragedy but out of the experience his widow managed to find love again. On the rescue Carpathia, Eloise was befriended by a fellow 1st Class Passenger, Robert Williams Daniel, who had been on a business trip. After the tragedy, they continued to meet occasionally before tying the knot in 1914.

As well as the romantic story, visitors can explore the world-class gallery that tells the tale of the ship, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through to her construction and launch, her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.

Guests can also:

• Follow in the footsteps of not only Titanic passengers but celebrity couples including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton by jumping onboard SS Nomadic- the vessel famous as a tender ship for Titanic, and a quarter of her size in every dimension.

• Marvel at the original ornate doors, panels, plasterwork and staircases that greeted passengers.

• Enjoy a romantic dining experience like no other by stepping back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with Titanic Belfast's Sunday Afternoon Tea in front of the grand staircase.

• Take a romantic stroll down the historic slipways at dusk, tracing the illuminated outlines of RMS Titanic and sister ship Olympic.

The iconic six-floor building features nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the ship, city and people that made her. It is the World's Largest Titanic exhibition and was recently named the World's Leading Tourist Attraction in the World Travel Awards.

Click here to find out more.



(JG/MH)