Start of the first Solent Packet services

First Solent Packet services | 1820 | Period: Georgians

The Isle of Wight Royal Mail Steam Packet Company ran regular ferry services between Cowes and Southampton from 1820.

The Company merged with its mainland rival in 1861 to form the Southampton, Isle of Wight and South England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited or 'Red Funnel' for short. To this day, the Company's full name is the longest on the Companies House register.