Widely regarded as foundational to maritime history, the Register originated in Edward Lloyd’s London coffee house in 1760 and was substantially revised in 1834. Through the formalisation of ship classification, it supplied shipowners, underwriters, and mariners with authoritative evaluations of vessel condition. By standardising technical knowledge, it reshaped commercial practice, strengthened maritime governance, and contributed significantly to the safety of seafarers. Join Dr Liz Rushen as she makes a case for the Register’s enduring legacy as a central instrument in the development of modern global shipping.
