Ship’s book charts ‘The Incredible Journey’ from 1970

Captain Chris Young has charted the ss Great Britain’s story, from 1970 to the present day, in his book ‘The Incredible Journey’. It makes for the ideal present for those fascinated by the events which transformed the ss Great Britain from a rusting, barnacle-covered, hulk to the internationally acclaimed and multi award-winning museum and visitor attraction.

‘The Incredible Journey’ was commissioned by the ss Great Britain Trust to tell the story of the ss Great Britain since her return from the Falklands to Bristol in 1970.

Based on minute books, newsletters and press cuttings, plus interviews with many of the leading characters, it is the story of both a huge technical achievement and an extraordinary and sustained voluntary effort. 

The ss Great Britain Trust approached Captain Young because of his close involvement with the developments of the last 40 years, joining the ss Great Britain Project as Project Director in 1986, and acting latterly as Trustee and Vice President.

In 375 pages Captain Young, 78, describes:

• How the ship was saved
• The precarious early years after the salvage, in Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard
• The growing recognition of the ship’s historic importance, the role of the ss Great Britain Trust Project and Trust, and the support of volunteers
• The remarkable sequence of events which led to the Heritage Lottery-funded conservation and restoration project
• And the triumphant museum ‘re-launch’ as Brunel’s ss Great Britain in 2005, right up to the present day

Profits from the sale of ‘The Incredible Journey’ will go towards the ongoing conservation of the historic vessel, and the Trust’s education programme.