P & O is one of Britain’s most famous shipping companies and its progress runs parallel to the history of the British Empire. Established in 1837 with contracts to carry the mail to the far flung expanding colonies.

China and used on board items range from the earliest examples known from the steamships of the 1840s onwards to the modern cruise liners of today. Traditionally the officers served with the Royal Naval Reserve and liners were used as troop ships. Officers and Crew medals from the Boer War, Boxer Rebellion, WWI, WWII and the Falklands conflict are on display. Look up to see the original ‘G’ Deck directional sign from the much loved SS Canberra which also served in the Falklands.