The Birkenhead Disaster of 1852

The Birkenhead Disaster of 1852
Friday, 18th September 2026, 1:30pm - 2:15pm ( + questions, 2:30pm)
Fusilier Museum Warwick

As part of Heritage Open Week, the museum is offering a special free talk about a shipwreck which went down in history as an example of supreme military discipline and selflessness. The Birkenhead was sailing to South Africa with soldiers of different military units including the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. With them were their wives and children. About 150 km of the Cape of Good Hope, the ship started to sink. The Captain ordered that 'women and children first' should get into the limited number of lifeboats. While this occurred, the soldiers stood to attention on deck until the last lifeboat had gone and then did what they could to save themselves. Many lost their lives although all of the women and children survived. This noble act inspired a poem by Rudyard Kipling (author of the Jungle Book) and many artistic representations of the tragic event. Historian and collector, David Seeney, explores the dramatic tale of the Birkenhead disaster and how it was remembered in Victorian society. He will present original material connected with the soldiers on the Birkenhead. The museum holds a detailed model of the Birkenhead Disaster and related artefacts which can be viewed as part of the event.

This event is free as part of Heritage Open Week. The venue is wheelchair friendly and there is an accessible toilet on site.

Timings

Friday 18 September:

13:30 - 14:30

Location & directions

Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4EW

Directions:

Pageant House is the middle of Jury Street, Warwick. There is street parking and carparks throughout the town.

Contact on day:

Chris Kirby

Telephone number:

+441926258288

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Situated on the first floor - stairlift available for those with mobility issues.

Additional information

Max number of people:

30

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results