Grand piano linked to Titanic survivor from Chorley

A discovery made at Chorley's Astley Hall gives one of its artefacts a connection with Charles Henry Lightoller - the highest ranking officer to survive the Titanic.
Charles Henry LightollerCharles Henry Lightoller
Charles Henry Lightoller

Researchers discovered the link with the famous Chorley name as they were looking into the collection at the historic house.

The grand piano, which takes centre stage in the drawing room, was delivered to the Lightoller family of Yarrow House in 1865.

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It was made by Broadwood and Sons who have a exhaustive archive and have kept records for every piano they have ever made.

The grand piano has pride of place in Astley HallThe grand piano has pride of place in Astley Hall
The grand piano has pride of place in Astley Hall

Rebecca Huddleston, director of policy and governance at Chorley Council, said: “It is amazing to discover that we have so much history in the piano that has taken up residence in Astley Hall for the past 40-50 years.

“We have a lot of interesting artefacts in Astley Hall but to discover that the piano once belonged to the family of Charles Lightoller, the highest ranking officer to survive the titanic and who was from Chorley is amazing.

“There is plenty more history to discover about the piano and we can’t wait to uncover the story behind it.”

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Charles Lightoller grew up in Yarrow House where the musical instrument belonged and in 1912, he worked as Second Officer on the Titanic ship when it struck an iceberg and sank at sea. Charles Lightoller was the highest ranking officer to survive the Titanic and was the last one rescued by the RMS Carpathia.