Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have gathered together ALL our FAQS here. To find answers to FAQS about our History, Collection or Archive click on the relevant links.
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I have some items I would like to donate to the P&O Heritage Collection, will you accept them?
P&O Heritage Collection is committed to preserving the company's history and delighted to consider all donations which enhance our existing collections. Prospective donations will be carefully considered by our curators and accepted subject to their evaluation of condition, relevancy, duplication (with the existing collection), storage needs and, if applicable, the release of copyright where it subsists with the donor.
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I have an object that I believe is related to P&O can you help me identify it?
If you have an object you think may be related to P&O, you may be able to find information about a similar object within our galleries. We have images and information for printed ephemera (Menus, brochures, entertainment guides etc.) posters, postcards, paintings photographs and prints and drawings.
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I own a P&O related work of art. Can you give me a valuation?
Unfortunately we are unable to give commercial art valuations. For help with a valuation for insurance or sale, contact the National Association of Valuers & Auctioneers www.nava.org.uk , British Antique Dealers Association www.bada.org or any of the Auction houses we have listed in our All Links page under Specialist suppliers, Dealers and Auctioneers.
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How large is the P&O Archive?
The P&O archive consists of approximately 7,400 manuscripts and is on permanent loan to the National Maritime Museum Greenwich, UK. To find out more read our research guide and search the archive catalogue online.
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What records do you hold in the P&O Archive?
Our research guide will give you a brief introduction to the records contained in the P&O Archive.
The archive is on permanent loan to the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK and their catalogue to the archive is available online. Should you wish to consult the archive, please contact the National Maritime Museum directly to make an appointment and order documents in advance.
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Where do I start my P&O research?
We have compiled some research guides, for people who are new to family history research and the P&O Archive, and brief histories of selected shipping lines. These guides will give you the information necessary to get started as well as the most useful repositories and online sources.
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Is the P&O Archive available online?
The P&O Archive is on permanent loan to the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK and their archive catalogue is available online. Should you wish to consult the archive in person, please contact the museum directly to make an appointment and order documents in advance.
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Can you carry out research for me?
Unfortunately we are not able to undertake research for private individuals; however we have produced a number of research guides to get you started.
If you wish to enquire about the services of paid or independent researchers, the National Archives can provide you with a list of researchers.
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Are your images available for downloading?
No, but a number of prints are available for purchase through our website and we are continually adding to our online collections. If you would like to obtain high resolution images for publication and/or licensing please complete our contact form and we will respond to your request as soon as possible.
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My ancestor travelled onboard a P&O ship or one belonging to a subsidiary company. Do you have a copy of the passenger list?
No, but we have compiled a Passengers and Emigration Research Guide which will show you how to find and access passenger lists online.
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What if I still need help?
Have you tried our links or research guides, viewed our timeline, explored our collections and searched our archive at the National Maritime Museum for more information? Still stuck? Use the enquiry form to contact us and we'll point you in the
right direction.
