Fool's Haven Home of Ruddick Millar Titanic Orphan
I am at Boneybefore just outside Carrickfergus. I came to Boneybefore to try and see round the famous President Andrew Jackson Cottage ancestoral home. Unfortunately this museum and the US Rangers Centre behind it was closed. I am told that yje cottage requires rethatching.
Anyway I noticed a very similar mid 1700s, white washed, old thatched cottage, less than 100 yards further along the Boneybefore road.
This cottage called Fool's Haven, proved to be the home of Titanic orphan, Ruddick Millar ( 1907-1952 ) who was a journalist, author and playright. The historic cottage has been honoured with a Blue Plaque.
' A PLAQUE to honour Titanic orphan and renowned Ulster author William Ruddick Millar has been unveiled in his native Carrickfergus. The former News Letter reporter was orphaned at the age of five when his father, a deck engineer on the Titanic, was killed. The Titanic liner struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. It sank on April 15, 1912, resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people in one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters in history. Mr Millar was orphaned as his mother had died in January 1912. Susie Millar, his grand-daughter, yesterday said: “Our entire family are so proud to have him remembered in this way.” The author of Stirabout, When Johnny Comes Marching Home and The Land Girl was raised in Fool´s Haven Cottage in the Co Antrim village of Boneybefore following his father´s death. The plaque was unveiled yesterday at the cottage where he was raised by his great aunt. Ms Millar, herself a journalist, said in spite of her grandfather´s dire start, “he went on to live a very successful life”. She said: “My grandfather was just five years old when he was orphaned by the loss of Titanic. “He and his older brother Thomas were sent to live with their great aunt, Mary Millar, in Boneybefore. “She already had eight children and it was a tight squeeze in their small cottage. “Both boys were paid a small allowance by the Titanic Relief Fund, but I am sure it took some time for the paperwork on that to come through.” By the age of 18, one of Ruddick Millar´s plays was being performed at the Grand Opera House in Belfast. He continued to write plays for stage and radio, newspaper articles and books until his death aged 46 in 1952. Ms Millar said her grandfather´s account of his father “sailing away on Titanic and how he found out about the sinking as he sailed his own paper boat in the stream at Boneybefore has provided one of the fullest depictions of the effect of Titanic´s loss on an ordinary family”. The story has since been re-written by Ms Millar in the book The Two Pennies. She said: “The Millar family is delighted that my grandfather has been recognised in this way more than 50 years after his death.'
“His writings portrayed a slice of Ulster life in the 1930s as well as capturing the deep sense of loss after the Titanic´s sinking. “He was the only author in the 1930s who was talking and writing about Titanic.” Mr Millar´s daughter Gillian was among family members who attended the unveiling. The plaque was unveiled by Northern Ireland representative of the Maritime Heritage Committee, Alliance Sean Neeson. Also in attendance were Belfast Titanic Society president John M Andrews and Doreen Corcoran, Ulster History Circle. Ms Millar said: “My Aunt Gillian was able to tell us tales this morning about my grandfather´s parties. “Even though he had such a terrible start to life, he had a good sense of humour throughout and he made the best of it.”
Fools Haven is where two local children, orphaned by the Titanic tragedy, were brought up. They had been sent to live in Fools Haven, with their Aunt, when their father sailed onboard the Titanic as an Engineer on that fateful maiden voyage to New York in April 1912. There were eight children already living in the Cottage, the addition of two more made ten.
Susie Millar is the great granddaughter of the Titanic Engineer and granddaughter of Ruddick Millar – Titanic Orphan, Journalist, Author and Playwright. She has published a book ‘The Two Pennies´ A true story from the Titanic. It tells the true story of the Millar family and offers a unique insight into how the tragedy affected ordinary lives, in particular those of Thomas Millar´s two sons.
Visit Belfast
Visit Belfast
see titanic belfast with the great grandaughter of a crew member
my interview with susie millar , susie,s great grandfather was a crew member on titanic , thomas millar ,
susie shared some stories with me from her families life, this segment is part of the current production titanic 100years then and now , being produced by australian filmaker robert martin
Titanic, Made In Belfast.
The entire story, from construction, maiden voyage, and sinking and how the ship yard where she was built looks like today.
An Atheist's Day in Belfast..A Story.
Most people in the North and South of Ireland want a peaceful life...but not all...some feel empowered by violence.
This vandalising was a simple act with a simple message...but it has dark undercurrents...for me at least.
They actually damaged more than the mirror but I kept it simple for the story..
I DON'T KNOW why this video has 2 BLACK FRAMES...not my doing...!
It was brilliant to see the Museum so packed with enthusiastic children...despite my 'poetic' comment on them...done for effect !
Titanic Belfast Launched Today, 31 March 2012
Belfast, 31st March 2012, PRNewswire -- For millions of Titanic fans around the world, the city that built the most famous ship on the planet is now Europe's new must-see destination.
Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor attraction has opened in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on the site where the ship was designed, built and launched. March 31st is also the same date on which RMS Titanic was completed in 1912 and the same day her first keel plate was laid in 1909.
After three years of construction -- the same time it took to build the famous ship -- the eye-catching £97 million Titanic Belfast makes an iconic addition to the city's skyline.
The 14,000 sq m building, modelled on four ships' hulls rising to the same height of Titanic and clad in almost 3,000 striking aluminium shards, was opened by Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Titanic belfast trip 1080p HD
Me and my girlfriends trip to T I T A N I C B E L F A S T.
Video created using Arcsoft Showbiz 5 video editor, enjoy
Where was the Titanic Built? The Titanic in Belfast
Looking at Belfast today, it is hard to believe that a hundred years ago it was the second city of the British Empire with a huge industrial core. Not only did Belfast have the biggest shipbuilders in the world but also the biggest rope works and linen industry. Air conditioning was invented here. Carbonated minerals were also a Belfast invention.
Find out about the size of the Titanic and how it was built-
The Original Titanic Movie- The Story of 'A Night to Remember'
In recent years a certain Titanic movie has become known as the Titanic's most impressive appearance on celluloid. But it is the earlier film, 'A Night To Remember' that is considered the greatest testament to the story of the Titanic ever to hit cinema screens.
Find out about the size of the Titanic and how it was built-
New exhibition of Titanic artifacts goes on display
(14 Mar 2012) 1. Mid of scale model of the Titanic in Belfast's Titanic Quarter reception
2. Close of Titanic name
3. Wide of model
4. Pull focus of funnels
5. Close of lifeboats
6. Mid of prow
7. Wide of Titanic Belfast visitor experience centre on site where Titanic was built
8. Close of building wing and old building
9. Mid of building
10. Wide of Titanic Belfast's banquet hall with recreated Titanic grand staircase
11. Mid of staircase
12. Close of statue and ceiling detail
13. Mid of stair details
14. Wide of Titanic Belfast project CEO Tim Husbands on stairs with workmen
15. SOUNDBITE (English) Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast visitor experience centre CEO:
Behind me you can see a replica staircase of the one that was actually on the Titanic. It's causing a lot of interest from the corporate market. We have a very grand ballroom here, the largest actually in Northern Ireland it can take up to 750 people. But there's a lot of interest in the staircase both from corporate event organisers but also from weddings, everyone's looking for that Leo and Kate moment.
16. Pull focus of stair details
17. Close of clock and carving
18. SOUNDBITE (English) Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast visitor experience centre CEO:
There are many other Titanic related visitor attractions in the world, but none actually that have the resonance and the authenticity that we have. It's actually constructed on the site that Titanic was built, where it was designed, where it was launched and where the workers came. There's no other country, no other city in the world that can actually lay claim to that story.
19. Wide tilt down of Titanic Belfast atrium
20. Close of signs yet to be installed
21. Wide of workmen hoisting up materials
22. Mid of workman painting
23. Wide of atrium escalator
24. Wide of harbour and docks area where Titanic was built
25. Workmen amongst steel pole monuments marking the scaffold that was used to construct Titanic
26. Mid of Susie Millar, tour guide who's great grandfather worked on and sailed on Titanic's infamous maiden voyage
27. Mid of Millar, tilt up to the SS Nomadic and Titanic Belfast in background
28. SOUNDBITE (English) Susie Millar, relative of Titanic disaster victim and Belfast tour guide:
We invested our time and our craftsmanship and our effort in and when she sank it was a huge shock for this city. For years and years we didn't talk about it, it wasn't discussed. But now, coming up to the 100th anniversary we've rediscovered that pride in the ship and we are sharing those stories again.
29. Wide of building and steel monuments
30. SOUNDBITE (English) Susie Millar, relative of Titanic disaster victim and Belfast tour guide:
I'm sure my great grandfather would have been surprised that Titanic is still being talked about and that stories like his are still being pulled out of that bigger story and that his name is talked about either by me or by others. He was only an ordinary worker on that ship, he helped to build it and then he sailed on it. And I'm sure he never envisaged a situation where the eyes of the world would be back on Belfast a 100 years later to commemorate this great ship.
31. Wide of Titanic building and sign
STORYLINE:
It's nearly 100 years since the floating and infamous sinking of the ship Titanic, and Belfast is hard at work to celebrate a feat of engineering and to mark the terrible tragedy that followed.
To most of the world, the name Titanic means tragedy, spiced with romance, sacrifice and luxury.
But in the city where she was built, the doomed ship is once again becoming known as a triumph of industry, enterprise and craftsmanship.
Some of Belfast's residents hope the rest of the world will soon see it that way, too.
You can license this story through AP Archive:
Find out more about AP Archive:
A Lucky Escape from the Titanic -- The Titanic Photographs by Father Browne
A short film about the Father Frank Browne's photography on board the Titanic. This film is an original piece by Titanic Stories - for more information we'd love you to visit:
During his short time on board Titanic, the 32 year old Jesuit priest, Father Frank Browne, captured some of the most enduring and iconic images of the ship, images upon which our modern-day knowledge of the interior of Titanic and the atmosphere on board are based.
His superior who summoned him back to his duties rather than permitting him to complete Titanic's voyage probably saved his life but also this invaluable photographic collection from a watery grave.
You can read more about Father Frank Browne on the Titanic website:
Official Belfast iTours Introduction by Patrick Kielty - www.gotobelfast.com
Visit the official visitor site for Belfast gotobelfast.com for more information. Belfast iTours audio-visual walking tours are a new and exciting way to experience the history, culture, and hustle and bustle of Belfast city. Tours can be downloaded from gotobelfast.com to your mobile device, or you can hire an MP4 player from the Belfast Welcome Centre (47 Donegall Place). Check out all the tours on the BelfastiTours Channel
Spooky Titanic Disaster Premonitions & Predictions
Much fiction, urban myths and exaggerated premonitions have been invented to sit alongside the factual accounts of Titanic's sinking. To try to understand why, it is necessary to understand the era in which these claims of foreboding came to light.
So, was the Titanic's fate predestined? Was there a warning that the Titanic was going to sink? In this original short film, we investigate some of the unexplained glimpses into the future which came to light after Titanic's sinking.
Find out about the size of the Titanic and how it was built-
The Titanic - 100 Years On
For more information, visit:
Titanic museum launch in Belfast -- interviews with relatives of the original constructors
The sinking of the Titanic a hundred years ago is a tale of the hubris of the industrial age. E&T visited the Titanic Belfast permanant exhibit and spoke to the descendants of those who worked on its construction.
2018 Belfast Titanic Society Convention
In April of 2018, our team had the privilege of attending the Belfast Titanic Society Convention, which was mostly based in the newly renovated Titanic Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
I encourage everyone to become a member of their fine society.
Titanic Stories - Alison Gray
Titanic 100 yr Anniversary Pt 4 -- Six Stories of Heroism and Bravery
The Titanic 100 Year Anniversary - 10 part series. Six stories Heroism and Bravery on the Titanic are highlighted of young and old, rich and poor, and men and women..
The Titanic & the Battle for the High Seas: Cunard v. White Star Line
During the second half of the 19th century shipping companies White Star Line and Cunard competed for the passenger trade as over thirty million Europeans left their homes in search of a better life across the Atlantic.
Newcomer White Star Line had greater success by focussing less on speed and more on the quality of the experience for the passengers.
Introduced was The Titanic and the rest is history...
For more information go to
discover Belfast-ulster museum
hey, it is the first time I made video. I am very happy in Belfast because you !
hope give you same good memory! more fun! have a good day , keep in touch!