A 19th Century plasterer has provided an unlikely link between an Enfield church and the doomed Titanic.

John Boffin, who worked on the tragic cruise liner before his death in 1914, is believed to have also helped create the detailed art work on the roof of the St Mary Magdalene Church, in Windmill Hill.

Vicar Gordon Giles was recently contacted by Mr Boffin’s granddaughter Jackie Rayer, who discovered the historic link while reading about the church’s restoration of its artistic chancel.

The church made headlines last month when workers found an inscription to Queen Victoria dating back to 1897 but Reverend Giles believes the more recent discovery has a more tragic feel.

He said: “We’re both saddened and delighted by the news. It is always nice to have any connection to history but this is such a sad event. No doubt Mr Boffin, whilst he was not on the ship when it went down, would have been incredibly upset.

“There is a link too about human frailty in this story. We often think we rule the waves, and this was a ship that was supposed to be unsinkable, but there are always bigger forces and that links into the church and our belief in a higher power.”

For Rev Giles, the maritime link is felt more closely as he spent time working with the Mission to Sea Farers, providing spiritual support for sea men and women working on ships.

The anniversary of the Titanic’s infamous sinking falls on April 15 and Rev Giles, a vicar at the church for the past nine years, says the link provides a poignant memorial.

He added: “My time as a port chaplain means I personally have an affinity with ships and, whilst it is nice to be connected to such a major event, it was particularly sad and it is important to remember that.”