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Side-Wheeled Paddle Steamers
Isle
of Wight Steam Packet Company
Set up by in 1826 when PS
George IV was placed on a Southampton-Cowes service in opposition to
the established Isle of Wight Royal Mail Steam Packet Company by
owners based at the mainland port.
The Southampton, Isle of Wight & South of England Royal Mail
Steam Packet Co was formed in 1861 by way of a merger of the interess
of the two companies. In 1861 a new entrant placed two modern
steamers on the station, prompting this pooling of resources which
was to form the company which became the dominant force in steamer
operations in the area.
Vessels taken over by the "Southampton"
company
Gem
Emerald
Sapphire
Return
to
South
Coast