Great Britain

From eurekapedia
Jump to: navigation, search
SS Great Britain in full sail 1857
ss Great Britain image from brochure.
ss Great Britain cover of brochure.
ss Great Britain hull.


ss Great Britain

Launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain was built by Isambard Brunel, and was the first iron ship, and the first with a propeller. Wooden hulled ships and paddle steamers had some problems, which Brunel solved by building a steel hulled ship that could withstand the rigours of commercial shipping.[1]

The Great Britain served the Liverpool to New York luxury trade, then was refitted for the Liverpool to Port Melbourne route from 1852. Gold fever had hit Victoria, and on one return trip there was 6 tonnes of gold in the hold.[2]

In 1861 the Great Britain brought the English cricket team to Australia. During that journey the ships captain ordered the sails up to conserve coal, which fired the steam driven propeller.[3] The team were paid 150 pound a man and travelled first class. their first game was watched by a crowd of over 15,000. (Tour Record: Played 12, Won 6, Drawn 4, Lost 2)[4]

After decades of service the SS Great Britain was severely damaged rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and was laid up in the Falklands Island from where its hull was eventually retrieved and the ship has now been refurbished and serves as a tourist attraction in Bristol, England.[5]

Brunel's ss Great Britain

In the Great Western Dockyard in Bristol (England) lies the SS Great Britain. The attraction is advertised as 'Brunel's ss Great Britain, The Ship that changed the World'. 'Now one of the UK's best-loved, all weather attractions, Brunel's ss Great Britain is a fantastic day out for the whole family. You can explore the decks, dockside or down below the spectacular glass sea. Be transported by sights, sounds and smells as you investigate life on board this magnificent Victorian ship.'[6]

Also See

Ships


External Links

https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/


References

  1. The Miner News, July 2017.
  2. The Miner News, July 2017.
  3. The Miner News, July 2017.
  4. Postcard, ss Great Britain Trust, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol
  5. The Miner News, July 2017.
  6. brochure for Bristol's No. 1 Attraction, ssgreatbritain.org