Albert Hall

In answer to the first part of the question about the connection between the Albert Hall and RMS Titanic, we have to look at the Albert Hall itself.

This answer will form part of an article which will be published later on in the year in The Bay Magazine

The Albert Hall today is situated on the corner of Cradock Street and Mansell Street.

Sims Reeves

Construction started in 1864 and it was opened that May.  It was officially called ‘The Music Hall’  with a capacity of 2,500 people in the audience.  The opening featured the ‘Grand Concert’  on the bill, was the operatic tenor Sims Reeves, who performed “Come Into the Garden Maud” and “My Pretty Jane”, Reeves had to perform an en encore, as the audience was enamored by his performance.  Also, on the bill that evening were Madame Raderadorff, Miss Palmer, Mr Merrick, and Miss Freet.

The Music Hall following its opening, was to be used as a Public Hall, Concert Hall and also a Music Hall. The Hall was advertised, in various newspapers at the time  and shows were promoted including the show “Powerful Company of Variety Artists” and “Largest Diorama in Great Britain and Ireland”

Charles Dickens 

Prince Albert 

1867, Charles Dickens who visited Swansea gave a reading from his works.  By 1882, the name of the hall changed to ‘Albert Hall’, in memory of Prince Albert who had died twenty years earlier.

Every September commencing 1882, Adelina Pattie, performed a benefit concert for the benefit of the local infirmary.  1884, saw a performance by Oscar Wilde entitled “How to arrange your household furniture”

Adelina Pattie 

Oscar Wilde 

1901, the Albert Hall was chosen as the best place in Swansea to hold a memorial for Queen Victoria.  Until 1910, Reverend Oscar Thompson Snelling used the hall.

Following the sinking of RMS Titanic, in April 1912, a memorial concert was held.   However, it is someone performance of 1907, is the answer.  This is the blog William Thomas Stead & the Titanic