Thomas Cook Facts

• Thomas Cook is believed to be the first modern travel agent
• Thomas Cook, the man who the company is named after was born November 22 1808 in Melbourne, Derbyshire, England.
• On the 5 July 1841, Thomas Cook organised a rail excursion for between 500 and 600 temperance campaingers to travel from Leicester to Loughbrough.
• 1845 saw a trip organised to Liverpool
• 1846 a trip to Scotland was organised
• In 1851 Thomas Cook organised for over 165000 to visit for one shilling (0.05 UK Sterling Pound) the Great Exhibition held in Hyde Park, London.
• By 1865 Thomas Cook's son, John joined and the company was changed to Thomas Cook & Son
• Tours to Egypt were being organised by Thomas Cook & Son in 1865.
• 1872 and Thomas Cook & Son are offering a Round The World tour consisting of over 200 days.
• Thomas Cook retired in 1879 with John and the latters three sons left to run the company.
• Thomas Cook died July 18 1892
• The Company remained in the family till 1928.