A lasting monument will be unveiled to a Suffolk teenager whose dreams ended in tragedy will be unveiled in his home village this weekend.
When news of the RMS Titanic first broke, many reports boasted that the ocean liner was “practically unsinkable” due to its advanced modern engineering, with many believing the ship to be the very model of luxury and safety.
People everywhere were clamouring for a spot on board, with the cheapest tickets costing around £7 – which would work out at around £800 in today’s economy.
Some 2,200 people were on board when the ship set sail.
Among their number was Thomas Cupper Mudd, who was aged just 16.
Thomas was born in the village of Walpole in 1895 to Thomas Mudd, a carrier (meaning a carter or carman) and Elizabeth Coe Mudd, who had married in 1881.
At the time of his death, Thomas was living with his parents and 12 siblings in Huntingfield. Records of Thomas first appear in 1901 when a census shows that he and his family were living in a cottage in The Street.
Little is known about the life of the young Thomas. However, like many young people, it seems that he dreamed of a life which would take him beyond sleepy Suffolk.
Two of his elder brothers had settled in America, and in 1912, Thomas decided to join them.
This was how he came to set foot on board the Titanic in April 1912, having bought a second-class ticket for around £10 and 10 shillings.
The ship set sail from Southampton docks on April 10, 1912.
Thomas his family both a letter and a postcard, marvelling at the splendour of the ship.
His letter read: "We have been having very rough weather but the ship is so steady you would hardly know it was moving, was it not for the throbbing of the engines,” Thomas wrote.
"We are now nearing Queenstown. The ship is like a magnificent palace. The lounge & dining hall are very beautiful. We are having excellent food.
"I have made friends with a young English gentleman and he is very nice indeed. The beds are very nice also with plenty of covering to keep warm also they have spring mattresses... Excuse writing as the ship is rolling a good bit.
"Now I must close. With love to all. I remain, your loving son Tom".
The letter was auctioned off last year by Forum Auctions, with a starting price of £20,000.
Tragically, Thomas never got to tell his family about his travels in person.
On April 15, 114 years ago today, the ship so many thought infallible struck an iceberg. Of the 2,200 passengers, only around 700 survived.
Thomas’ body, like so many others, was never recovered.
However, his name has never been forgotten. Now, a lasting tribute to his memory will be unveiled in Huntingfield this weekend.
On Saturday, a service of commemoration for the victims of the Titanic will be held at Huntingfield Church, where a memorial to Thomas Mudd will be unveiled.
Copies of the postcard he sent to his mother before boarding the Titanic will be on display, and a ‘White Star Line’ afternoon tea will be available for purchase.
Share