ships in Albert Dock, Hull, England, early 20th century

This was a major port until the 1920s when its status began to decline. One of the major shippers was the Wilson Line of Hull which had been founded in 1825 by Thomas Wilson. "By the early 20th century, the company had grown – largely through its monopolisation of North Sea passenger routes and later mergers and acquisitions – to be the largest privately owned shipping company in the world, with over 100 ships sailing to different parts of the globe. The Wilson Line was sold to the Ellerman Lines – which itself was owned by Hull-born magnate (and the richest man in Britain at the time) Sir John Ellerman." (Wikipedia)