1-629-622 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Samuel Plimsoll, British politician and social reformer, late 19th century. 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. Illustration from Story of the British Nation, Volume IV, by Walter Hutchinson, (London, c1920s).