The White Star Line is now, sadly, best known for its ownership of the Titanic but it was once one of the most successful and powerful shipping lines in the world.
The first company to bear the White Star name was founded in Liverpool in 1845 by John Pilkington and Henry Wilson. It focused on the UK–Australia trade, which increased following the discovery of gold in Australia and owned, amongst others, Tayleur, the largest ship of its day, which was wrecked on its maiden voyage to Australia. This original White Star Line merged with two other small lines to form the Liverpool, Melbourne and Oriental Steam Navigation Company Limited but business was not strong and White Star broke away to concentrate on Liverpool to New York services. Heavy investment in new ships was financed by borrowing from the Royal Bank of Liverpool, which itself failed in October 1867 leaving White Star with a huge debt of £527,000 and it was forced into bankruptcy.
White Star flag still flies above Albion House, Liverpool
Rescue arrived in 1868 in the form of Thomas Ismay, who purchased the house flag, trade name and goodwill of the bankrupt company for just £1,000. He established the company’s headquarters at Albion House, Liverpool and agreed a partnership with Harland and Wolff to construct new ships; so was formed the Oceanic Navigation Steam Company.
Albion House, corner of James St and The Strand, Liverpool
You can read more about the history of the shipping line here. If your interest lies more with the Titanic itself, then I highly recommend a visit to the Titanic Experience in Belfast. This exhibition is housed in a stunning building just 100 metres from where the Titanic’s hull was constructed.
View out from Titanic Belfast to the docks
You’ll learn about the history of Belfast and the famous ship, see artefacts, read personal stories and watch footage of the discovery of the wreck itself. You can walk down the very slipway where Titanic was constructed and explore a life size plan of Titanic’s Promenade Deck which is inlaid in white stone.
Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit as there are so many related activities – you can walk, sail and even segway around the area.
Linked to Tagged W , Travel Tuesday and Gone but not forgotten.
