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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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P&O
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(Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company) The main link from the mid-19C between Britain and the East. The company was formed in 1837 by Arthur Anderson (1792–1868) and Brodie McGhie Willcox (1786–1862). Their first regular destination was Portugal and Spain, the 'peninsular' part of the name; 'oriental' was soon added, as the steam ships began services to the eastern Mediterranean. Soon the company also had ships in the Indian Ocean so that passengers and mail, after making the land journey across the Egyptian desert from Alexandria, could continue by sea to India and Hong Kong. By the time the *Suez Canal opened, in 1869, P&O was well placed to become the main carrier on the full oriental route. Meanwhile ocean cruising had been pioneered by the company from 1844, and its luxury white liners remain a familiar feature in that market.
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