Shadows of Empire: All at Sea

Tea was once worth more than gold. This expensive cost reflected the long, arduous journey between London and Shanghai and other ports in China.

Charles Thomas-Stanford’s family had run a shipping business, although he himself studied law and did not continue the shipping enterprise.

Clippers were ships designed for speed, with limited room for cargo and men. Even the famous Cutty Sark had half its crew sleeping in the fo’c’sle (the front part of the ship’s upper deck) for its first two voyages. These unfortunate men were rolled violently by crashing waves while trying to sleep.