Alfred Holt, Born 1829
STEAMSHIP PIONEER
As an apprentice, Alfred Holt gained a knowledge of railway surveying and constructing, and of locomotive building. After a short period with a shipping company, he set up his own business a a marine consulting engineer. In 1855 he established the West India and Pacific Steamship Company. He was a pioneer in the use of high pressure steam engines for ships, enabling faster long distance journeys, particularly to China. This involved persuading the Government to change the relevant regulations. To exploit the China trade he established at his Liverpool base the Ocean Steamship Company and the Blue Funnel Line. These became the leading companies in their field.
Source: Compiled, with acknowledgement and thanks, from internet sources by Alex Reid in 2021.
Connected life stories:
Father of his sister-in-law Lawrencina: Potter, Richard. Born 1817. (10 pages). Investor in timber and railways.