The Loss of the SS Stella: An Insight Into Late Victorian Society

The SS Stella shipping disaster generated more press coverage and greater public interest than any other shipwreck of the period. The Press was unanimous in reporting that the conduct of the passengers and crew on the sinking ship had been exemplary.  Yet, the Inquiry later confirmed that at least 18 women and children went down with the ship. Furthermore, rumours persisted that the Stella had been racing the Great Western steamer out of Weymouth.

Great Britain was at the height of  its Empire. On the surface late Victorian society appeared confident. However, at the dawning of a new century the future, far from looking radiant with promise, was murky and uncertain. There were end of century jitters, and double standards abounded.  The loss of the Stella throws a spotlight on late Victorian Britain.             
 Non-fiction, 66 pages, 18,000 words, £6

Pages 2-9
Introduction-
The Loss of the Stella
The Lifeboats

Pages 9-12
Was the Stella Racing?
The Inquiry

Pages 12-21
Mary Ann Roger
The Stella Memorial Southampton
Postman’s Park Memorial
The Staircase Window                                                           

Pages 21-28
The case of Thomas Glover
Edward Benjamin Tanner
The Audoin Family
The Rosoman Family
Benin Arnold
Rev George Clutterbuck                                                         

Pages 27-29
The Period, and End of Century Jitters         

Pages 30-33
The Ship
The Casquets
The Wreck
The Mayor’s Fund                                                                  

Pages 33-39
An Alternative View

Pages 40-44
Passenger and Crew Lists

Pages 44-47
Literary Search
Bibliography
Acknowledgements                                                                 

Pages 47-52
Appendix
General Chronology 1891-1899
Stella Southampton Memorial List of Subscribers
The McNeill Sermon
Commemorative Stamps 

Pages 53-65
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