The White Star Shipping Line was founded in 1850 to take advantage of an increase in trade following the discovery of gold in Australia. In 1867, the White Star Shipping Line was bought by Thomas Ismay and set up to rival Cunard in Trans-Atlantic passenger traffic.
• Thomas's son, Bruce, became a partner in the firm and took over as company director in 1899 when his father died. •In 1902 the company was bought by wealthy American, J Pierpoint Morgan.
•Ismay retained his position within the firm as managing director.
•Morgan's money meant that the company could build large luxury liners to attract the wealthy passengers. In 1907 Ismay suggested that the company build two liners which were heavier, bigger and more luxurious than any other ship in the World.
•They were to be called Olympic and Titanic. If these were successful a third, Gigantic, later renamed Brittanic, would follow. Titanic was built in Belfast by the shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff.
•The company was owned by Lord Pirrie, a friend of Bruce Ismay, managing director of the White Star Line . Construction of the Titanic began in 1909. Harland and Wolff had to make alterations to their shipyard (larger piers and gantries) to accommodate the giant liners, Titanic and her sister ship Olympic. The two ships were to be built side-by-side.
