Looking after the Ladies

For centuries sailors, and superstitious seadogs, perpetuated male myths that the sea was “no place for a woman”.

But the arrival of steam-powered ships, in the mid nineteenth century, promised a more reliable, safe and commodious passage for all. Shipwrecks were still common but even that was no hardship to a woman with means, and the right attitude, travelling P&O.

Although few in number, the mere presence of ladies on board gave rise to the formal employment of females to look after them, or ‘stewardesses’ as they were known.