30 James Street once served as the White Star Line HQ. The shipping company once produced some of the biggest ships in the world, including the most famous vessel of them all, RMS Titanic.
The commanders and crew of the many White Star ships received their orders from the White Star Line HQ, including Titanic’s Captain Edward J. Smith. The headquarters was also the port of registry for all of the White Star Line ships, including the ill-fated liner.
In addition to producing some of the finest ships in the world at the time of their maiden voyage, the White Star Line was responsible for creating many jobs within Liverpool, and helped shape the city’s diverse society. 30 James Street, also known as Albion House, is a standing testament to Liverpool’s extensive maritime history.
Hotel owners Lawrence and Katie Kenwright are dedicated to preserving the building’s incredible history and architecture, which is why they fully restored 30 James Street after years of dereliction. There is, however, a missing piece in the puzzle: the White Star Line clock.
The clock was a focal point of Albion House for nearly 50 years, first appearing on the building when it was constructed in 1896. However, following the Liverpool Blitz 1941, the clock was removed and never seen again.
We have therefore launched a campaign to find the White Star Line clock. We are asking the public for any clues as to where the clock may be. We want you to ask your parents, grandparents, friends and everyone in between if they might know where the clock is. Someone has to know what became of the clock and where it is now – so we’re reaching out for the answer.
Lawrence recently told the Liverpool Echo: “Mystery still surrounds the location of the grand clock, which, for almost fifty years, hung proudly on the building overlooking the Dock Road. We would love to restore it and bring it back in to use, and that is why we have launched a campaign to find it.
“We’re asking people to get in touch if they have any information regarding its whereabouts. It would be fantastic to put it back and bring it home.”
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