William Thomas Stead was one of the most famous passengers onboard the Titanic. He was born on the 5th July 1849 in Ambleton, Northumberland and was a British Journalist and editor. Stead had been invited to the USA by President Taft to address a peace conference at Carnegie Hall. Sadly, he lost his life when the Titanic sank on the 15th April 1912.

Stead was an early pioneer of investigative journalism and his 'New Journalism' paved the way for today's tabloid press. He was influential in demonstrating how the press could be used to influence public opinion and government policy. William Stead was also a spiritualist, a well known world peace activist, an advocate of women's rights, a defender of civil liberties and a fighter for the deprived and oppressed. 

William Stead's home in London was at 5 Smith Square in Westminster (left). A green plaque outside the building (right) recalls Stead's link with this house from 1904-1912.

William Stead also had a home on Hayling Island (left). It was from here that he set off to nearby Southampton to board the Titanic for its maiden voyage. A blue plaque (right) commemorates William Stead's achievements and his association with this house from 1895-1912.

Titanic - History . com  (Titanic History by André Price, Titanic Historian & Maritime Researcher)