2-913-784 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New Route to Belgium - "The Aquila" Steam-ship leaving Antwerp, 1854. Ship built by Henderson of Glasgow, with engines by McNab of Greenock. 'By adopting the Harwich route, the North of Europe Steam Navigation Company proposed to realise the following results: first, the avoidance of the long and tedious passage up and down the Thames; second, the increase and development of the local traffic between the Eastern Counties and Belgium; third, the accomplishment of the journey in twelve hours; thus effecting a saving...of some eight or ten hours; and, lastly, the establishment of the new service as essentially a "day" service...the day service may be conducted with punctuality both ways, provided the railway arrangements are made compatible with the demands of the service, and...that the Belgian Government can be induced to maintain additional lights...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.