As one of history s most enduring disasters, the sinking of the SS Titanic has inspired countless books analysing every detail.
However, the personal papers of the judge who conducted the original investigation just weeks later have always been beyond reach. Now Lord Mersey s descendants have made them available for the first time for a forthcoming major documentary.
The judge s notes reveal his thoughts as he listened to hundreds of witnesses.
They show the extent to which he was disturbed by the Titanic s lack of lifeboat drills and its failure to slow down, even though she was travelling at night and had received ice warnings.