The Marco Polo is probably the best known of the Liverpool-based Black Ball Line packet ships which ran passenger services to Australia in the mid-19th century. Larger version [opens in new window]

Leaving from Liverpool

Setting Sail

This afternoon we boarded our ship, the Admiral Alcock. She is a fine vessel, carrying around 500 souls. As our feet left solid ground Sarah’s face spoke of my own fears, but William and Joseph are already running around with other children.

As feared we are in steerage, crammed into a tiny space - there is no privacy.

We are next to a family of particularly weak looking Irish. We had not even left port before the air was stuffy, and several people have tripped and bumped their heads in the tiny space.

Our evening meal was a tasty stew, and Sarah is happier now she has a space to call our own.

Birkenhead - Setting Sail (continued)