John Armstrong
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497308
- eISBN:
- 9781786944542
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497308.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book collects seventeen previously published essays by John Armstrong concerning the British coastal trade. Armstrong is a leading maritime historian and the essays provided here offer a ...
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This book collects seventeen previously published essays by John Armstrong concerning the British coastal trade. Armstrong is a leading maritime historian and the essays provided here offer a thorough exploration of the British coastal trade, his specialisation, during the period of industrialisation and technological development that would lead to modern shipping. The purpose is to demonstrate the whether or not the coastal trade was the main carrier of internal trade and a pioneer of the technical developments that modernised the shipping industry. Each essay makes an original contribution to the field and covers a broad range of topics, including the fluctuating importance of the coastal trade and size of the coastal fleet over time; the relationship between coastal shipping, canals, and railways; a comparison between the coastal liner and coastal tramp trade; the significance of the river Thames in enabling trade; coastal trade economics; maritime freight rates; the early twentieth century shipping depression; competition between coastal liner companies; and a detailed study of the role of the government in coastal shipping. The book also contains case studies of the London coal trade; coastal trade through the River Dee port; and the Liverpool-Hull trade route. It contains a foreword, introduction, and bibliography of Armstrong’s writings. There is no overall conclusion, except the assertion that coastal shipping plays a tremendous role in British maritime history, and a call for further
research into the field.Less
This book collects seventeen previously published essays by John Armstrong concerning the British coastal trade. Armstrong is a leading maritime historian and the essays provided here offer a thorough exploration of the British coastal trade, his specialisation, during the period of industrialisation and technological development that would lead to modern shipping. The purpose is to demonstrate the whether or not the coastal trade was the main carrier of internal trade and a pioneer of the technical developments that modernised the shipping industry. Each essay makes an original contribution to the field and covers a broad range of topics, including the fluctuating importance of the coastal trade and size of the coastal fleet over time; the relationship between coastal shipping, canals, and railways; a comparison between the coastal liner and coastal tramp trade; the significance of the river Thames in enabling trade; coastal trade economics; maritime freight rates; the early twentieth century shipping depression; competition between coastal liner companies; and a detailed study of the role of the government in coastal shipping. The book also contains case studies of the London coal trade; coastal trade through the River Dee port; and the Liverpool-Hull trade route. It contains a foreword, introduction, and bibliography of Armstrong’s writings. There is no overall conclusion, except the assertion that coastal shipping plays a tremendous role in British maritime history, and a call for further
research into the field.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter examines British shipping in the interwar period, with the intent of understanding why tonnage levels had dropped to 5.1 million tons below the pre-war growth rate by 1939. It examines ...
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This chapter examines British shipping in the interwar period, with the intent of understanding why tonnage levels had dropped to 5.1 million tons below the pre-war growth rate by 1939. It examines trend projections; trade, freights, and tonnage data; fuel trades; and the advent of motor ship technology to make an economic analysis, before comparing and contrasting Britain with contemporary Norwegian and German shipping to provide an international context. The conclusion states that the interwar period was difficult for British shipowners due to factors outside of their control, such as the decline of the British coal trade, the protection of British labour, and an over-tonnaged world market.Less
This chapter examines British shipping in the interwar period, with the intent of understanding why tonnage levels had dropped to 5.1 million tons below the pre-war growth rate by 1939. It examines trend projections; trade, freights, and tonnage data; fuel trades; and the advent of motor ship technology to make an economic analysis, before comparing and contrasting Britain with contemporary Norwegian and German shipping to provide an international context. The conclusion states that the interwar period was difficult for British shipowners due to factors outside of their control, such as the decline of the British coal trade, the protection of British labour, and an over-tonnaged world market.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter presents the effects of the First World War on the future of the British shipping industry. It examines shipping tonnage statistics to demonstrates Britain’s loss of three million tons ...
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This chapter presents the effects of the First World War on the future of the British shipping industry. It examines shipping tonnage statistics to demonstrates Britain’s loss of three million tons and in contrast, the worldwide tonnage increase of seven million tons. It is presented in two halves: the first provides overviews of the tonnage profit between 1914 and 1920 in America, Japan, France, and Italy, and the tonnage of neutral countries and British enemies; detailed shipping losses and the financial effects on British shipping; plus tramp and liner statistics, tax rates, freight rates, the lack of equalisation schemes, and the loss of entrepôt trade. The second half examines the British postwar reconstruction effort, and calculates the value of the four major sources of tonnage available: British ships built during the war; ceded German ships; purchases from foreign owners; and new builds. It concludes that Britain sought to return to a prewar perceived sense of normalcy in shipping, despite irrevocable changes in worldwide shipping such as the rise of the American fleet.Less
This chapter presents the effects of the First World War on the future of the British shipping industry. It examines shipping tonnage statistics to demonstrates Britain’s loss of three million tons and in contrast, the worldwide tonnage increase of seven million tons. It is presented in two halves: the first provides overviews of the tonnage profit between 1914 and 1920 in America, Japan, France, and Italy, and the tonnage of neutral countries and British enemies; detailed shipping losses and the financial effects on British shipping; plus tramp and liner statistics, tax rates, freight rates, the lack of equalisation schemes, and the loss of entrepôt trade. The second half examines the British postwar reconstruction effort, and calculates the value of the four major sources of tonnage available: British ships built during the war; ceded German ships; purchases from foreign owners; and new builds. It concludes that Britain sought to return to a prewar perceived sense of normalcy in shipping, despite irrevocable changes in worldwide shipping such as the rise of the American fleet.
Robert G. Greenhill
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780968128848
- eISBN:
- 9781786944801
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780968128848.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter assesses the role of conference system from its formation through to 1914. During the nineteenth century a sharp and persistent increase in competition between shipowners over trade and ...
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This chapter assesses the role of conference system from its formation through to 1914. During the nineteenth century a sharp and persistent increase in competition between shipowners over trade and trade routes led to the need for conferences, with the intention of curbing rivalry and retaining customers. Robert G. Greenhill seeks to determine how successful these conferences were at meeting their goals, and finds that though results varied from location to location, overall the consensus amongst shipowners was that it was better for business to be involved in the conference system, rather than not be.Less
This chapter assesses the role of conference system from its formation through to 1914. During the nineteenth century a sharp and persistent increase in competition between shipowners over trade and trade routes led to the need for conferences, with the intention of curbing rivalry and retaining customers. Robert G. Greenhill seeks to determine how successful these conferences were at meeting their goals, and finds that though results varied from location to location, overall the consensus amongst shipowners was that it was better for business to be involved in the conference system, rather than not be.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter provides a history of the pre-1914 period in British shipping. It determines and summarises the four factors that led to British domination of the ocean as the extent of their colonial ...
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This chapter provides a history of the pre-1914 period in British shipping. It determines and summarises the four factors that led to British domination of the ocean as the extent of their colonial activity; the speed of industrialisation; population growth; and the advantages of establishing trade routes, posts, and ports earlier than other nations. It then explores the extent of the British dominance in relation to the rest of the world; world trade in relation to British trade; national shipping policies; navigation laws; and the response of the rest of the world to the Navigation Acts. It concludes that Britain retained dominance in this period but saw an increase in world competition, particularly from Germany and Japan, and that British trade grew at a slower pace than world trade, which meant shipowners needed to keep their vessels larger and faster than those of upcoming rivals.Less
This chapter provides a history of the pre-1914 period in British shipping. It determines and summarises the four factors that led to British domination of the ocean as the extent of their colonial activity; the speed of industrialisation; population growth; and the advantages of establishing trade routes, posts, and ports earlier than other nations. It then explores the extent of the British dominance in relation to the rest of the world; world trade in relation to British trade; national shipping policies; navigation laws; and the response of the rest of the world to the Navigation Acts. It concludes that Britain retained dominance in this period but saw an increase in world competition, particularly from Germany and Japan, and that British trade grew at a slower pace than world trade, which meant shipowners needed to keep their vessels larger and faster than those of upcoming rivals.
Gordon Boyce
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497391
- eISBN:
- 9781786944450
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497391.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book is an in-depth case study of the Furness Withy and Co Shipping Group, which operated both tramp and liner services and was one of the five major British shipping groups of the early ...
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This book is an in-depth case study of the Furness Withy and Co Shipping Group, which operated both tramp and liner services and was one of the five major British shipping groups of the early twentieth century. It demonstrates how British shipowners of this period generated success by exploring Christopher Furness’ career in relation to the social, political, and cultural currents during a time of tremendous shipping growth in Britain and the establishment of some of the largest shipping firms in the world. It approaches the study from three angles. The first analyses how the Furness Group expanded its shipping activities and became involved with the industrial sector. The second illustrates the organisational and financial structure of the enterprise. Finally, the Group’s leadership and entrepreneurship is scrutinised and placed within the wider context of twentieth century British business. The case study begins in 1870, with an introduction explaining how Christopher Furness came to join the family company, Thomas Furness and Co. in order develop services, expand, and instigate the changes and mergers that brought the Furness Group into existence. There are thirteen chronologically presented chapters, a bibliography, and seven appendices of data including an ownership timeline, tonnage statistics, acquisitions, a list of maritime associates, and a timeline of Christopher Furness’ life. The book concludes in 1919 with the de-merging of the Furness Group’s shipping and industrial holdings, the resignation of the Furness family from the company’s board, the sale of their shares, and the move into managing the firm’s industrial interests.Less
This book is an in-depth case study of the Furness Withy and Co Shipping Group, which operated both tramp and liner services and was one of the five major British shipping groups of the early twentieth century. It demonstrates how British shipowners of this period generated success by exploring Christopher Furness’ career in relation to the social, political, and cultural currents during a time of tremendous shipping growth in Britain and the establishment of some of the largest shipping firms in the world. It approaches the study from three angles. The first analyses how the Furness Group expanded its shipping activities and became involved with the industrial sector. The second illustrates the organisational and financial structure of the enterprise. Finally, the Group’s leadership and entrepreneurship is scrutinised and placed within the wider context of twentieth century British business. The case study begins in 1870, with an introduction explaining how Christopher Furness came to join the family company, Thomas Furness and Co. in order develop services, expand, and instigate the changes and mergers that brought the Furness Group into existence. There are thirteen chronologically presented chapters, a bibliography, and seven appendices of data including an ownership timeline, tonnage statistics, acquisitions, a list of maritime associates, and a timeline of Christopher Furness’ life. The book concludes in 1919 with the de-merging of the Furness Group’s shipping and industrial holdings, the resignation of the Furness family from the company’s board, the sale of their shares, and the move into managing the firm’s industrial interests.
Lewis R. Fischer and Even Lange (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780973893472
- eISBN:
- 9781786944573
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780973893472.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book compiles seven essays concerning changes to merchant shipping over the hundred and fifty years between 1850 and 2000, and spanning a range of countries, with particular focus on Norway, ...
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This book compiles seven essays concerning changes to merchant shipping over the hundred and fifty years between 1850 and 2000, and spanning a range of countries, with particular focus on Norway, Greece, Japan, and England. The essays are linked by the theme of change: from traditional to modern shipping; in fluctuating cargo demands; from sail to steam; wood to iron; in improvements in communication technologies; in political natures and affiliations; in seafaring skillsets; in the advent of containerisation and advent of globalisation. The overall aim is to construct a solid international context for the merchant shipping industry in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries - primarily to aid a major Norwegian deep-sea merchant marine project. The book contains an introduction that sets out these aims, and seven essays by maritime historians which form part of the international contextual whole, though all can be approached individually.Less
This book compiles seven essays concerning changes to merchant shipping over the hundred and fifty years between 1850 and 2000, and spanning a range of countries, with particular focus on Norway, Greece, Japan, and England. The essays are linked by the theme of change: from traditional to modern shipping; in fluctuating cargo demands; from sail to steam; wood to iron; in improvements in communication technologies; in political natures and affiliations; in seafaring skillsets; in the advent of containerisation and advent of globalisation. The overall aim is to construct a solid international context for the merchant shipping industry in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries - primarily to aid a major Norwegian deep-sea merchant marine project. The book contains an introduction that sets out these aims, and seven essays by maritime historians which form part of the international contextual whole, though all can be approached individually.
Robert G. Greenhill
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780969588511
- eISBN:
- 9781786944924
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780969588511.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
Robert Greenhill, in his examination of British shipping in Latin America, reminds us not only of the global importance of such transport but also of the vicissitudes that such involvement can have ...
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Robert Greenhill, in his examination of British shipping in Latin America, reminds us not only of the global importance of such transport but also of the vicissitudes that such involvement can have on the firms involved. He examines the rivalry between two of the great imperial entrepreneurs around the turn of the century, Sir Alfred Jones, the chairman of Elder Dempster, and Owen Philipps (later Lord Kylsant), who assembled the Royal Mail group of shipping companies, exploring the interplay between the Colonial Office and British businessmen around the 18th century.Less
Robert Greenhill, in his examination of British shipping in Latin America, reminds us not only of the global importance of such transport but also of the vicissitudes that such involvement can have on the firms involved. He examines the rivalry between two of the great imperial entrepreneurs around the turn of the century, Sir Alfred Jones, the chairman of Elder Dempster, and Owen Philipps (later Lord Kylsant), who assembled the Royal Mail group of shipping companies, exploring the interplay between the Colonial Office and British businessmen around the 18th century.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter provides a thorough account of the structure of the British shipping industry as it stood in 1960. It examines fleet ownership and provides a detailed summary of the eight liner ...
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This chapter provides a thorough account of the structure of the British shipping industry as it stood in 1960. It examines fleet ownership and provides a detailed summary of the eight liner companies that owned eighty percent of British liner tonnage at the time, and both the causes and consequences of this structure. The companies detailed, in order of size, are as follows: Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O); Furness Withy; Blue Funnel Group (containing the Blue Funnel and Elder Dempster lines); Cunard; British and Commonwealth; Ellerman; Vestey; and Inverforth. It concludes with the author’s prediction that in order to improve the industry, large companies must accept the turbulent industry environment and learn to navigate it flexibly to attain future growth.Less
This chapter provides a thorough account of the structure of the British shipping industry as it stood in 1960. It examines fleet ownership and provides a detailed summary of the eight liner companies that owned eighty percent of British liner tonnage at the time, and both the causes and consequences of this structure. The companies detailed, in order of size, are as follows: Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O); Furness Withy; Blue Funnel Group (containing the Blue Funnel and Elder Dempster lines); Cunard; British and Commonwealth; Ellerman; Vestey; and Inverforth. It concludes with the author’s prediction that in order to improve the industry, large companies must accept the turbulent industry environment and learn to navigate it flexibly to attain future growth.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter explores the economics of British shipping enterprises in relation to the necessary factors for economic expansion. It examines the economics of different ship types - cargo liners, ...
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This chapter explores the economics of British shipping enterprises in relation to the necessary factors for economic expansion. It examines the economics of different ship types - cargo liners, passenger liners, tramps, and tankers - their cost structures; profitability; vessel technology; and ability to attract and retain both capital and labour. It concludes with predictions for post-1960 shipping economics, and suggests that smaller companies would be more likely to suffer from stunted fleet growth than larger, established companies.Less
This chapter explores the economics of British shipping enterprises in relation to the necessary factors for economic expansion. It examines the economics of different ship types - cargo liners, passenger liners, tramps, and tankers - their cost structures; profitability; vessel technology; and ability to attract and retain both capital and labour. It concludes with predictions for post-1960 shipping economics, and suggests that smaller companies would be more likely to suffer from stunted fleet growth than larger, established companies.
Robin Craig
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780973007343
- eISBN:
- 9781786944702
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780973007343.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This study explores the history of tramp-shipping in the United Kingdom, between 1750 and 1914. It defines ‘tramp’ as steamships exclusively hulled with iron or steel. The purpose of the journal is ...
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This study explores the history of tramp-shipping in the United Kingdom, between 1750 and 1914. It defines ‘tramp’ as steamships exclusively hulled with iron or steel. The purpose of the journal is to keep the history of tramp-shipping from fading into obscurity, as the author believes the tramp steamer does not invoke sentimentality nor provide enough glamour to sustain the same level of maritime interest enjoyed by sailing ships or ocean liners. The study is split into four major sections, the first concerning tramp-shipping, ownership, and capital formation; the second concerning trade, specifically copper ore and African guano; the third studies tramp seamen - particularly sea masters; and the final and largest section considers individual tramp-shipping regions, further subdivided by region - Wales, the Northwest, the West Country, the Northeast, the Southeast, and Canada. The volume is punctuated with statistics, tables, charts, glossaries, and concludes with a bibliography of author Robin Craig’s further maritime writing.Less
This study explores the history of tramp-shipping in the United Kingdom, between 1750 and 1914. It defines ‘tramp’ as steamships exclusively hulled with iron or steel. The purpose of the journal is to keep the history of tramp-shipping from fading into obscurity, as the author believes the tramp steamer does not invoke sentimentality nor provide enough glamour to sustain the same level of maritime interest enjoyed by sailing ships or ocean liners. The study is split into four major sections, the first concerning tramp-shipping, ownership, and capital formation; the second concerning trade, specifically copper ore and African guano; the third studies tramp seamen - particularly sea masters; and the final and largest section considers individual tramp-shipping regions, further subdivided by region - Wales, the Northwest, the West Country, the Northeast, the Southeast, and Canada. The volume is punctuated with statistics, tables, charts, glossaries, and concludes with a bibliography of author Robin Craig’s further maritime writing.
Lewis R. Fischer (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780969588511
- eISBN:
- 9781786944924
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780969588511.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This volume is dedicated to Maritime Business History, by means of commemorating the career of Professor Peter Neville Davies, a prominent member of the Economic and Social History department of the ...
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This volume is dedicated to Maritime Business History, by means of commemorating the career of Professor Peter Neville Davies, a prominent member of the Economic and Social History department of the University of Liverpool (a career spanning the dates 1964-1992). The volume is divided into four sections. The first is a tribute and appreciation of Professor Davies, which also acts as an introduction to his work for unfamiliar readers. The second section focuses on business aspects of British maritime history, with particular attention to the impact of British shipping overseas, and the rise and decline of ship building industries. The third section is specific to Liverpool and Merseyside, and explores the local maritime history of the area, including trade with the Mediterranean, local shipbuilding, the Mersey port system, and nautical archaeology. The final section explores subjects within international maritime history, particularly within Norway and America. All essays and topics covered aim to collectively and significantly develop the field of maritime business history, and all are directly related to Professor Davies’ academic interests, as a means of celebrating Professor Davies own accomplishments during his career. The journal concludes with a comprehensive bibliography of Professor Davies’ work.Less
This volume is dedicated to Maritime Business History, by means of commemorating the career of Professor Peter Neville Davies, a prominent member of the Economic and Social History department of the University of Liverpool (a career spanning the dates 1964-1992). The volume is divided into four sections. The first is a tribute and appreciation of Professor Davies, which also acts as an introduction to his work for unfamiliar readers. The second section focuses on business aspects of British maritime history, with particular attention to the impact of British shipping overseas, and the rise and decline of ship building industries. The third section is specific to Liverpool and Merseyside, and explores the local maritime history of the area, including trade with the Mediterranean, local shipbuilding, the Mersey port system, and nautical archaeology. The final section explores subjects within international maritime history, particularly within Norway and America. All essays and topics covered aim to collectively and significantly develop the field of maritime business history, and all are directly related to Professor Davies’ academic interests, as a means of celebrating Professor Davies own accomplishments during his career. The journal concludes with a comprehensive bibliography of Professor Davies’ work.
Tony Slaven
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780969588511
- eISBN:
- 9781786944924
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780969588511.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
Tony Slaven demonstrates how the failure to develop a market orientation was a primary cause of the post-World War II decline of British shipbuilding. This paper argues that the decline of British ...
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Tony Slaven demonstrates how the failure to develop a market orientation was a primary cause of the post-World War II decline of British shipbuilding. This paper argues that the decline of British shipbuilding in the 1960s (the weaknesses in productivity, price, delivery and credit arrangements) were consequences of a failure to develop market orientation in a period of rapidly expanding demand. British shipbuilding remained product-orientated at a time when successful companies had adopted a market orientation: the weakness of British industry was fundamentally linked to the priorities and attitudes of shipbuilders to marketing.Less
Tony Slaven demonstrates how the failure to develop a market orientation was a primary cause of the post-World War II decline of British shipbuilding. This paper argues that the decline of British shipbuilding in the 1960s (the weaknesses in productivity, price, delivery and credit arrangements) were consequences of a failure to develop market orientation in a period of rapidly expanding demand. British shipbuilding remained product-orientated at a time when successful companies had adopted a market orientation: the weakness of British industry was fundamentally linked to the priorities and attitudes of shipbuilders to marketing.
Gordon Boyce
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497391
- eISBN:
- 9781786944450
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497391.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter examines the growth of the Furness Group’s shipping services during the 1880s. It begins with an overview of British foreign trade between 1870 and 1901, citing population growth and ...
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This chapter examines the growth of the Furness Group’s shipping services during the 1880s. It begins with an overview of British foreign trade between 1870 and 1901, citing population growth and rising incomes as reasons for the huge rise in imports. It explores the advantages of British shipping over international competitors, which included the trebling of the merchant fleet, activity in the well-established Baltic trade, and the capacity for steamship construction. It then considers Christopher Furness’ shipping activity from the 1891 establishment of the Furness Group and onwards. By studying the changing composition of Furness’ accessible resources and the economic conditions facing the shipping industry, it determines the specific routes chosen out of the multiple options developing in the expanding global trade. It concludes in the 1890s and states that unlike other shipowning companies in the era, which had begun consolidating ownership but not at a tremendous rate, Furness commanded eighty-four percent of the Furness Group which gave him a debt-free platform and the capacity to support further growth in shipping operations.Less
This chapter examines the growth of the Furness Group’s shipping services during the 1880s. It begins with an overview of British foreign trade between 1870 and 1901, citing population growth and rising incomes as reasons for the huge rise in imports. It explores the advantages of British shipping over international competitors, which included the trebling of the merchant fleet, activity in the well-established Baltic trade, and the capacity for steamship construction. It then considers Christopher Furness’ shipping activity from the 1891 establishment of the Furness Group and onwards. By studying the changing composition of Furness’ accessible resources and the economic conditions facing the shipping industry, it determines the specific routes chosen out of the multiple options developing in the expanding global trade. It concludes in the 1890s and states that unlike other shipowning companies in the era, which had begun consolidating ownership but not at a tremendous rate, Furness commanded eighty-four percent of the Furness Group which gave him a debt-free platform and the capacity to support further growth in shipping operations.
John Armstrong and David M. Williams
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497377
- eISBN:
- 9781786944474
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497377.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book presents an in-depth study of the impact of the steamship on Britain during its first forty years, roughly between 1810 and 1850. It relates the early steamship to several industrial themes ...
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This book presents an in-depth study of the impact of the steamship on Britain during its first forty years, roughly between 1810 and 1850. It relates the early steamship to several industrial themes including diffusion; construction; modernisation; the role of government - particularly the difficult attempt to align laissez-faire politics with the greater need for public safety measures due to technological advance; business and finance; plus public reaction and tourism. The aim is to establish the significance of the steamship as a conduit of modernisation and societal change. It consists of a foreword, introduction, and fourteen chapters devoted to specific themes, structured to ensure each chapters build on the preceding chapter’s progress. Collectively, they demonstrate that the development of both experience and enterprise with steam power both gained and refined during this period made the mid-century expansion of steamship technology across Britain possible. Ultimately, it establishes that steamship services began to adapt to oceanic routes, steam began to integrate into the world economy, and the age of sail began to draw to a close.Less
This book presents an in-depth study of the impact of the steamship on Britain during its first forty years, roughly between 1810 and 1850. It relates the early steamship to several industrial themes including diffusion; construction; modernisation; the role of government - particularly the difficult attempt to align laissez-faire politics with the greater need for public safety measures due to technological advance; business and finance; plus public reaction and tourism. The aim is to establish the significance of the steamship as a conduit of modernisation and societal change. It consists of a foreword, introduction, and fourteen chapters devoted to specific themes, structured to ensure each chapters build on the preceding chapter’s progress. Collectively, they demonstrate that the development of both experience and enterprise with steam power both gained and refined during this period made the mid-century expansion of steamship technology across Britain possible. Ultimately, it establishes that steamship services began to adapt to oceanic routes, steam began to integrate into the world economy, and the age of sail began to draw to a close.
Lars U. Scholl
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780968128886
- eISBN:
- 9781786944764
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780968128886.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book presents twelve essays by historian David M. Williams, in order to pay tribute to his career. The essays stretch from 1807 through to the end of the nineteenth century, and address both ...
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This book presents twelve essays by historian David M. Williams, in order to pay tribute to his career. The essays stretch from 1807 through to the end of the nineteenth century, and address both economic and social themes. Topics include maritime trade, deployment of merchant ships, the state regulations concerning shipping, shipwrecks and loss of life, passenger cargoes, slavery, cotton, timber and coffee trades, and the working conditions of seamen over the course of the century. The plight of the maritime labourer is at the core of this collection. The essays primarily focus on British shipping, and firmly places it within an international context. The book is introduced by Lars U. Scholl, followed by two tributes to Williams’ career, one by Peter N. Davies, the other by Lewis R. Fischer. Scholl concludes the volume with a thorough bibliography of Williams’ maritime writings: books, chapters, and articles.Less
This book presents twelve essays by historian David M. Williams, in order to pay tribute to his career. The essays stretch from 1807 through to the end of the nineteenth century, and address both economic and social themes. Topics include maritime trade, deployment of merchant ships, the state regulations concerning shipping, shipwrecks and loss of life, passenger cargoes, slavery, cotton, timber and coffee trades, and the working conditions of seamen over the course of the century. The plight of the maritime labourer is at the core of this collection. The essays primarily focus on British shipping, and firmly places it within an international context. The book is introduced by Lars U. Scholl, followed by two tributes to Williams’ career, one by Peter N. Davies, the other by Lewis R. Fischer. Scholl concludes the volume with a thorough bibliography of Williams’ maritime writings: books, chapters, and articles.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter introduces the journal and its approach to the question of why the British shipping industry declined at tremendous rate between 1900 and 1960. It outlines the possible answers - the ...
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This chapter introduces the journal and its approach to the question of why the British shipping industry declined at tremendous rate between 1900 and 1960. It outlines the possible answers - the change in economy; international competition; factors outside of shipping; and internal decision-making - and how they will be addressed in subsequent chapters. It provides an overview of both British and international growth performances over the period, and defines the statistical parameters of the study - tonnage is measured in gross tonnage; British shipping is limited to ocean shipping and excludes coastal shipping.Less
This chapter introduces the journal and its approach to the question of why the British shipping industry declined at tremendous rate between 1900 and 1960. It outlines the possible answers - the change in economy; international competition; factors outside of shipping; and internal decision-making - and how they will be addressed in subsequent chapters. It provides an overview of both British and international growth performances over the period, and defines the statistical parameters of the study - tonnage is measured in gross tonnage; British shipping is limited to ocean shipping and excludes coastal shipping.
Gordon Boyce
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497391
- eISBN:
- 9781786944450
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497391.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter follows the diversification of the Furness Group into the industrial sector between 1895 and 1901, as it accumulated coal, steel, engineering, and shipbuilding firms. This period saw a ...
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This chapter follows the diversification of the Furness Group into the industrial sector between 1895 and 1901, as it accumulated coal, steel, engineering, and shipbuilding firms. This period saw a tremendous surge in British and American industrial merges, dubbed merger mania, and so the chapter begins by addressing the differences between their respective surges. It then outlines Furness’ plan to diversify the firm’s interests, tackling it section by section. It explores the pattern of acquisitions; the role of company promoters; Furness’ own work as a promoter of industrial and shipping enterprises and the growth of his trade network; and the form of public floats. It concludes that in contrast to the industrialists who took advantage of the financial boom to liquidate investments, Furness used the growing confidence in the investment community to expand his presence in the primary sector of the economy whilst continuing to form new shipping ventures.Less
This chapter follows the diversification of the Furness Group into the industrial sector between 1895 and 1901, as it accumulated coal, steel, engineering, and shipbuilding firms. This period saw a tremendous surge in British and American industrial merges, dubbed merger mania, and so the chapter begins by addressing the differences between their respective surges. It then outlines Furness’ plan to diversify the firm’s interests, tackling it section by section. It explores the pattern of acquisitions; the role of company promoters; Furness’ own work as a promoter of industrial and shipping enterprises and the growth of his trade network; and the form of public floats. It concludes that in contrast to the industrialists who took advantage of the financial boom to liquidate investments, Furness used the growing confidence in the investment community to expand his presence in the primary sector of the economy whilst continuing to form new shipping ventures.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0015
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This final chapter returns to the original question laid out at the start of the volume: why the tonnage of British ships declined by an enormous amount between 1900 and 1960. It brings together the ...
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This final chapter returns to the original question laid out at the start of the volume: why the tonnage of British ships declined by an enormous amount between 1900 and 1960. It brings together the findings of the volume to provide a definitive conclusion. It reiterates the changes in economic factors; interferences with the competitive process; trade factors; war; taxation; policy-making; growth rates; and growth constraints, concluding that overall, the decline of the industry was primarily due to internal decision-making rather than external factors. Upon publication, this conclusion drew ire and scrutiny, but Sturmey’s arguments have generally stood the test of time.Less
This final chapter returns to the original question laid out at the start of the volume: why the tonnage of British ships declined by an enormous amount between 1900 and 1960. It brings together the findings of the volume to provide a definitive conclusion. It reiterates the changes in economic factors; interferences with the competitive process; trade factors; war; taxation; policy-making; growth rates; and growth constraints, concluding that overall, the decline of the industry was primarily due to internal decision-making rather than external factors. Upon publication, this conclusion drew ire and scrutiny, but Sturmey’s arguments have generally stood the test of time.
Anthony Slaven and Hugh Murphy (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781927869017
- eISBN:
- 9781786944436
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9781927869017.003.0052
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
Interview with Michael Haines, Acting Finance Director, British Shipbuilders Plc, 1977. Details experience working with British Shipbuilders Plc.
Interview with Michael Haines, Acting Finance Director, British Shipbuilders Plc, 1977. Details experience working with British Shipbuilders Plc.
