British & Foreign Marine was one of the leading marine insurers in Liverpool, England in the second half of the nineteenth century, at one point claiming to have the largest reserves of any marine insurer in Europe. It was acquired by Royal Insurance in 1909 but continued as an independent entity for several decades.
History
Formation
By the end of the 1850s, Liverpool ship owners were again becoming frustrated at the premiums being charged by London insurers. The American Civil War was an additional irritant with London insurers delaying premiums to force up rates.[1] A number of private partnerships were established in Liverpool including the firm of Dale & Ryrie.[2] This firm was incorporated as the British & Foreign Marine Insurance in January 1863. The manager and underwriter of British & Foreign Marine was Richard Norris Dale,[3]