This May marks the 150th anniversary of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Scilly’s history - the sinking of the SS Schiller. Often referred to as the ‘Victorian Titanic,’ the luxury German liner met its devastating fate on May 7th, 1875, after striking the rocky Retarrier Ledges near Bishop Rock Lighthouse. The catastrophe claimed 311 lives, making it the second-worst shipwreck recorded in the islands’ history.
Bound for Hamburg from New York, the SS Schiller carried cargo and 254 passengers when it tore open its bottom plates upon impact. The dramatic rescue efforts saw brave gig crews from Bryher and St Agnes, alongside luggers from Sennen Cove in Cornwall, rushing to save those who had been cast into the sea. Despite their heroism, only 15 people survived. In the aftermath, many of the lost souls were laid to rest in two mass graves at Old Town Church, a poignant site still visited today.
Image credit: Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre & Museum
Image credit: Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre & Museum
In recognition of the extraordinary bravery of the rescuers, a collective reward of £50 was given to the Scilly boatmen, and a row of houses on Church Street in Hugh Town was built with the proceeds of fundraising efforts. Today, the Schiller Centre - home to the Tourist Information Centre - preserves the memory of this tragic event with a significant collection of artefacts curated by the Isles of Scilly Museum.
Join Us for a Commemorative Weekend
To honour this milestone anniversary, the Isles of Scilly will host a special programme of events from Thursday 8th to Saturday, the 10th of May. This weekend of remembrance and reflection will include a series of engaging activities, bringing history to life and paying tribute to those lost at sea.
Programme Highlights:
Thursday, May 8th, 7:30 PM - The Old Town Inn
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Film Screening – A special showing of the award-winning documentary 'The Sinking of the Schiller' with an introduction from Isles of Scilly Museum Trustee Jess Vian.
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Curatorial Lecture – The Museum Curator will present a talk featuring rare artefacts and first-hand survivor accounts from the museum’s collection.
Friday, May 9th, 7 PM - Old Town Church Yard
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Echoes of The Schiller – A promenade theatre production of the tragedy at Old Town Church, inspired by a production first created for the centenary 50 years ago. The updated performance will feature students from the Five Islands Academy and members of St Mary’s Theatre Club, with a newly adapted script by local writers Jo Arnold and Alan Craig, with original music from Piers Lewin. Tickets will be available from The Old Town Inn.
Saturday, May 10th, 11:30 AM (TBC)
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Commemorative Boat Service – A deeply moving tribute at sea, held over the Western Rocks in collaboration with St Mary's Boatmen's Association. Led by Chaplain Elizabeth Burke and Bishop Hugh Nelson, this service will offer a moment of remembrance for those lost.
We invite islanders and visitors alike to take part in this unique and poignant commemoration.
Join us as we honour the memory of the SS Schiller and the courageous rescuers whose legacy lives on in the history of the Isles of Scilly.
