Sharks, Shipwreck & Survival: Harold Higgs & the Sinking of the Carnarvon Castle, 1907
St. Matthews Parish Church, Telegraph Lane West, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4JA
Join local author and historian Helen Murray for a talk about her latest non-fiction work, the dramatic story of a young sailor from Thorpe Hamlet, Harold Higgs.
In November 1906, 16-year-old Harold, signed up for the adventure of a lifetime. He joined the merchant navy as an apprentice aboard the grand sailing vessel Carnarvon Castle, tasked with carrying a general cargo to far-off Australia.
A thousand miles from the nearest land, disaster struck: flames engulfed the ship and forced the crew to abandon her. Harold was among the twenty-six men and boys, who along with their Captain, took to two open boats, with only the provisions they could snatch before the vessel went down. For twenty-four days, Harold and the other men endured blistering heat, storms, starvation and the torment of thirst.
A small display will be on show in the church from 12.30pm. Talks lasting apx 30-40 minutes will run at 1pm and 3pm. Refreshments of tea/coffee/squash and cake will be provided.
Please arrive by 12.45pm for the 1pm talk and by 2.45pm for the 3pm talk.
Timings
- Saturday 12 September:
- 13:00 and 15:00
Location & directions
St. Matthews Parish Church, Telegraph Lane West, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4JA
- Contact on day:
- Helen Murray
- Telephone number:
- +447377539679
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Seats are limited to 80 per talk. It is unlikely to fill to capacity, but to guarantee a seat, please email me with your name and how many tickets you require.
- Booking contact name:
- Helen Murray
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking opens:
- 26 Aug 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 12 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Toilets on site. Free limited car parking available outside
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 80
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s)
