Which Bristolian, responsible for saving countless lives, was born in Colston Parade in 1842 ?
In February 1842 Samuel Plimsoll was born in Colston Parade, Redcliffe, Bristol. Plimsoll championed the cause of the poor and in particular the poor sailor. Shocked at the number of overladen ships that sunk drowning their crew Plimsoll fought politically to establish a limit on cargo. The resultant safety line on a fully laden ship is now known as the Plimsoll line. Samuel Plimsolls name was also used in the 1920’s for the popular plimsoll shoe – so named because of their similarity in appearance to the Plimsoll line on boats.