Plimsoll Collection

Plimsoll Line
The Mark indicates the degree to which a ship may be loaded - if it is below water level, the ship is dangerously over- loaded. (We have Plimsolls original prospectus)

The launching of the RMS Mauretania, 28th July 1938 (b / w photo)
STC255818 The launching of the RMS Mauretania, 28th July 1938 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The second RMS Mauretania)

Samuel Plimsoll, politician
SAMUEL PLIMSOLL Politician, responsible for introducing the Plimsoll Line to regulate the loading of ships Date: 1824 - 1898

Samuel Plimsoll MP (1824-1898) - English politician and social reformer, now best remembered for having devised the Plimsoll line (a line on a ship's hull indicating the maximum safe draught)

Samuel Plimsoll (b / w photo)
816010 Samuel Plimsoll (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898)

Cartoon, Samuel Plimsoll, politician and reformer
Cartoon, Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898), English Liberal politician and social reformer. 1893

Mr. Plimsoll speaking in the House of Commons on Shipping Interests, 1870 (engraving)
671205 Mr. Plimsoll speaking in the House of Commons on Shipping Interests, 1870 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr)

Samuel Plimsoll, M. P. c1890, (1904). Artist: James Russell
Samuel Plimsoll, M.P. c1890, (1904). Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898) was an English politician and social reformer, now best remembered for having devised the Plimsoll line From Social England

Samuel Plimsoll, British politician and social reformer, c1880. Artist: Moritz Klinkicht
Samuel Plimsoll, British politician and social reformer, c1880. Known popularly as the sailors friend because of his championing of sailors interests

Mr Plimsoll addressing the House of Commons, London, mid-late 19th century, (1900). Illustration from The Life and Times of Queen Victoria, by Robert Wilson, Volume IV, (Cassell and Company, London)

Samuel Plimsoll, Esq, MP, British Liberal politician and social reformer, 1876. Artist: Lock & Whitfield
Samuel Plimsoll, Esq, MP, British Liberal politician and social reformer, 1876. From Men of Mark: a gallery of contemporary portraits of men distinguished in the Senate, the Church, in science

Samuel Plimsoll, British social reformer and politician, 1873. Known popularly as the sailors friend because of his championing of sailors interests

The Coffin-Ships, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Coffin-Ships, 1873. Jack Tar is embraced by his lover as he prepares to board his ship. This relates to recent agitation on the part of Samuel Plimsoll for a Royal Commission into the condition

Our Merchant Navy, 1874. Artist: Joseph Swain
Our Merchant Navy, 1874. Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh refers to Britains need for fit and ready sailors. Mr Samuel Plimsoll was pursuing his fight against the often deliberate overloading

Plimsoll / Cabinet Photo
SAMUEL PLIMSOLL statesman, responsible for introducing the Plimsoll Line to regulate the loading of ships Date: 1824 - 1898

Plimsoll line stops coffin ships, 1873
Comment in Punch magazine on the lifesaving introduction of the Plimsoll line. Overcrowded coffin ships are portrayed literally in the background as floating coffins with masts and rigging. Date: 1873

Captain Robert Hook, lifeboatman
Coxswain Robert William Hook (1828 -1911) of the Lowestoft lifeboat Samuel Plimsoll, the saviour of more than 200 lives. Pictured here at Lowestoft harbour entrance in 1883, in a heroic pose

MR. S. PLIMSOLL. M. P. 1873
MR. S. PLIMSOLL. M.P. 1873

Coxswain Robert Hook (Of the Lowestoft Lifeboat samuel Plimsoll ), The
Coxswain Robert Hook (Of the Lowestoft Lifeboat " samuel Plimsoll" ), the Saviour of more than Two Hundred Lives, 1883

Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898) British social reformer, the sailors friend. Merchant Shipping Act 1876 and Plimsoll Mark. Member of Parliament 1868-1880. Cartoon from Vanity Fair, London, March 1873

Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898) English politician and social reformer born at Bristol, called the sailors friend. Campaigned against coffin ships, overloaded, unseaworthy vessles, often over insured

Samuel Plimsoll, British politician
Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898), British politician, social reformer and inventor of the Plimsoll line. Plimsoll was a Member of Parliament who was concerned that sailors were being put at risk because

Samuel Plimsoll commemorative plaque
Samuel Plimsoll. Plaque commemorating the British politician and social reformer Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898). Plimsoll is best known as the inventor of the Plimsoll line

Samuel Plimsoll commemorative monument
Samuel Plimsoll. Monument commemorating the British politician and social reformer Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898). Plimsoll is best known as the inventor of the Plimsoll line

Plimsoll / Mod Port Gall
SAMUEL PLIMSOLL statesman, responsible for introducing the Plimsoll Line to regulate the loading of ships

Plimsoll / Faustin
SAMUEL PLIMSOLL statesman, responsible for introducing the Plimsoll Line to regulate the loading of ships

Plimsoll / Photo Cdv
SAMUEL PLIMSOLL Politician, responsible for introducing the Plimsoll Line to regulate the loading of ships

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Samuel Plimsoll: The Man Behind the Iconic Plimsoll Line" Step back in time to witness the historic launching of the RMS Mauretania on 28th July 1938, captured in a captivating black and white photo. Little did anyone know that this event would forever be associated with Samuel Plimsoll, a renowned politician and social reformer. Known for his tireless efforts to improve safety at sea, Samuel Plimsoll's name became synonymous with the "Plimsoll Line, " a crucial marking on ships indicating their maximum load capacity. This simple yet revolutionary concept saved countless lives by preventing overloading and ensuring vessels remained buoyant even during treacherous voyages. As we delve into history through various photographs and engravings, we catch glimpses of Mr. Plimsoll himself - an influential figure passionately advocating for change within the House of Commons. In one image, he stands tall as he addresses shipping interests in 1870, his words echoing with determination to protect sailors from exploitation. The artistic renditions of Samuel Plimsoll depict him as both a stern statesman and a compassionate advocate for social justice. His unwavering commitment to improving working conditions led him to champion reforms that benefited not only seafarers but also workers across industries. Intriguingly, these images reveal Mr. Plimsoll's evolution over time – from his early days as an MP in c1890 to his later years as a British Liberal politician around 1904. Each portrait captures his unwavering resolve etched upon his face – evidence of a man who never wavered in fighting for what he believed was right. With every glance at these historical snapshots, it becomes clear that Samuel Plimsoll left an indelible mark on society through both legislation and public awareness campaigns. His legacy continues today as ships worldwide bear the iconic symbol of safety – the Plimsoll Line – a testament to his enduring impact.