James Fisher established the company in 1847.

From a farming and mining background, James Fisher formed the business in Barrow-in-Furness as a ship-owning organisation transporting Haematite from the Cumbrian Hills.

James Fisher ran the company from 1847 to 1870.

Joseph Fisher took over the business in 1870 from his father due to ill health.

Joseph moved the firm's offices to Fisher's buildings in Barrow's Strand - where they remained until the 1960s.

Joseph lived an extravagant lifestyle and nearly ruined business through incompetence and excess. His brother John demanded he sold everything to him and forfeit any further interest in the business, in return John settled Joseph's debts and paid him a yearly wage.

John Fisher took over the family business in 1878 during a difficult trading period and transformed the company into a financially secure organisation.

He invested, from his own significant wealth, in a modern fleet of vessels and began the company's tradition of vessel names associated with water.

From 1894 to 1897, John became the first native of Barrow to serve as Mayor. He unfortunately suffered with ill health and died in 1900.

Management of the business was taken over by James Fisher (junior) in 1900.

During James’ time at the helm, the company owned six cargo steamers and 13 sailing ships, including the steamer Bay Fisher. James also served as Mayor of Barrow from 1903 to 1904.

James had a love for motor racing and outdoor pursuits. He owned Barrow’s first registered motor vehicle - EO1 - which is still held by the company today.

Sir John became the sole proprietor of James Fisher and Sons plc in 1915.

John Fisher originally studied as a mining engineer, but as a member of the Territorial Army (TA), was recruited for the First World War. He saw action in Ypres and Somme, but was released in 1915 to take over the business due to the death of his father - James (junior).

During the Second World War, John became Director of Coastal and Short Sea Division at the Ministry of War Transport, taking him away from the day-to-day running of the organisation. During this time, he was instrumental in managing the UK's fishing and merchant fleet as a crucial and underestimated part in UK’s war effort, including being part of the evacuation of Allied soldiers at Dunkirk in 1940 known as the 'Little Ships of Dunkirk'. He was knighted in 1942 in recognition for his services.

Sir John was instrumental in the turn-around of the business’ fortune. He directed the company away from traditional general cargo into more specialist and profitable niche markets.

This new era of growth transformed the business and set the foundation for what the company has become today. James Fisher and Sons plc was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1952 to secure its future.

Sir John married Austrian opera singer, Maria Elsner, who became Lady Maria Fisher. They were inseparable and heavily involved in the local Barrow community, going on to establish the Sir John Fisher Foundation in 1980 to continue their legacy.

At 84, Sir John stepped down from his role as company chairman in 1976, and fully retired from the board in 1979 - when he was made an honorary freeman of Barrow. Sir John continued to play an advisory role to the company until his death in 1983.

Although this was the end of the Fisher family line's involvement with the company, their legacy continues through the Foundation and the company's strong resilient and entrepreneurial culture lives on.

Lady Maria Fisher was a famous pre-war opera singer.

Married to Sir John Fisher in 1947 and along with her husband in 1980 set up the Sir John Fisher Foundation. The couple took deep personal interest in many social and charitable organisations within Barrow and marine industry, giving personal support as well as financial aid.