1-157-195 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Samuel Plimsoll, British social reformer and politician, 1873. Known popularly as 'the sailor's friend' because of his championing of sailors' interests, Plimsoll (1824-1898) was a Liberal Member of Parliament from 1868-1880. He is best remembered for his role in the passing of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876 and for the 'Plimsoll Mark' on ships which is named for him. Cartoon from Vanity Fair, March 1873