The Onedin Line

The Onedin Line was a popular BBC television drama series that ran from 1971 to 1980. The series is set in Liverpool in the mid-19th century and deals with the rise of a shipping line, the Onedin Line, named after its owner James Onedin. Around this central theme are the lives of his family, most notably his brother and 'partner', shop owner Robert, and his sister Elizabeth, giving insight in the lifestyle and customs at the time, not only at sea... more

The Onedin Line was a popular BBC television drama series that ran from 1971 to 1980. The series is set in Liverpool in the mid-19th century and deals with the rise of a shipping line, the Onedin Line, named after its owner James Onedin. Around this central theme are the lives of his family, most notably his brother and 'partner', shop owner Robert, and his sister Elizabeth, giving insight in the lifestyle and customs at the time, not only at sea, but also ashore (mostly lower and upper middle class). The series also illustrates some of the changes in business and shipping, such as from wooden to steel ships and from sailing ships to steam ships. And it shows the role that ships played in affairs like international politics, uprisings and the slave trade. The series was created by Cyril Abraham, a native of Liverpool, where the story is set. An article in "Woman" magazine published in July 1973, interviewing Cyril Abraham, tells how he came up with the very unusual family name Onedin.... less