Tyne and Wear HER(13363): North Shields, Prince Line Company - Details
13363
N Tyneside
North Shields, Prince Line Company
North Shields
NZ36NE
Commercial
Commercial Office
Early Modern
C19
Documentary Evidence
The Prince Line was founded in 1881 by James Knott, the son of a grocer from Howdon. The company became one of the world's major shipping lines with over 40 steamers. The vessels had slate grey hulls, black and red funnels and the white Prince of Wales feathers emblem. The 'Saxon Prince' was built by Swan Hunter in 1882 and was the first Prince Line steamer. She was possibly the first merchant ship to be sunk by a U-boat in World War One. Sir James Knott became very wealthy and he and his wife became well known for their philanthropy. He died in 1934 but the Sir James Knott Trust continues to support worthy projects in the North East.
35
68
NZ3568
North Tyneside Council and Nexus, North Shields Heritage Trail, board 13 'The Tyne Gorge'