3-065-844 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Dr. Livingstone's remains: the coffin on the deck of the Queen, 1874. The body of David Livingstone, who died in Africa, is returned to England. 'The mortal remains of the great missionary explorer of Central Africa were brought to this country by the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-ship Malwa, arriving at Southampton on Wednesday week...A deputation of the Royal Geographical Society, with a few of Dr. Livingstone's personal friends...were taken out to meet the Malwa...Alongside the Malwa in dock now lay the small Isle of Wight steamer Queen, on board which were the Mayor of Southampton, Mr. E. Jones, the Sheriff, Mr. Gamlen, the Town Clerk, the Senior and Junior Bailiffs, the Aldermen and some Town Councillors, in their robes, but with crape arm-bands, and Sir F. Perkins, M.P. for the borough. The coffin was hoisted by a pulley from the Malwa to the deck of the Queen, while all present reverently took off their hats...A wreath of camellias and other flowers was placed on the coffin, now covered with the Union Jack, as it lay on the deck of the Queen. This was done by a lady, Mrs. Phillips'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.