Cook, Thomas, & Son Ltd

Sectors:

  • Recreation activities Travel agency services inc excursions & package holidays

Notes:

Traces origins to Thomas Cook, 1808-92, who in 1841 organised his first train excursion, for his church, from his base in Market Harborough. Late 1841 settled in Leicester where established himself as a bookseller, publisher and printer. 1845 started selling rail and coach excursions for pleasure, producing for each a handbook. In conjunction with Midland Railway Co, organised huge number of excursions to the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. By now very well known. 1854 gave up his printing business. 1856 opened a London office managed by his son, John Mason Cook, and business renamed Thomas Cook & Son. 1850s organised first excursion to outside UK and in 1872 first round the world tour. 1874 introduced first traveller's cheque, then known as circular note. 1928 acquired from Cook family by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons Lits. 1941 acquired by a group of UK railway companies and nationalised in 1948 as part of British Transport Commission. 1972, when in decline, sold to a consortium including Midland Bank Ltd and fully owned by latter from 1977. Subsequently other owners

Publications:

Groups: