Wilson Line
Founded by Thomas Wilson (1792-1869) who bought his first ship in 1825.
Later run by Thomas Wilson's sons Charles Henry (later 1st Baron Nunburnholme) and Arthur
1822 Founded in Hull as Beckinton, Wilson and Co
1831 Became Wilson, Hudson and Codeath after Beckinton died
1841 John and Thomas Hudson withdrew from the partnership and the company became Thomas Wilson, Sons and Co
1878 Bought Brownlow, Marsdin and Co of Hull
1901 Charles Henry Wilson acquired Earle's yard and modernised it. The yard built more than thirty five ships for the Wilson Line.
1903 Bought Bailey and Leetham of Hull
1900s The Wilson Line was the largest private ship owning company in the world.
In 1916 Wilson Line was bought by Ellerman Lines and became Ellerman's Wilson Line Ltd in 1917.