These characters are based on real life members of the ss Great Britain’s crew who served passengers and kept the ship in order during her voyages.
JOHN GRAY, CAPTAIN
ROLE:
In command of the Ship and her crew.
Overall responsibility for navigating the Ship, and for the welfare of passengers
PLACE OF WORK:
All over the ship
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Entertaining First Class Passengers over dinner in the Dining Saloon and in the Captain’s Stateroom
ANNIE GREEN, STEWARDESS
Ship’s stewardess ROLE:
Attending to the needs of female First Class passengers: waiting on them, making their beds, filling their baths
PLACE OF WORK:
First Class cabins
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Trying not to be seasick
ROBERT MCCALL, HELMSMAN
Ship’s Helmsman
ROLE:
Steering the Ship, along with another helmsman. This was hard work and a job for two!
PLACE OF WORK:
On the Weather Deck
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Making a woolwork picture as a gift for his family at home
CHRISTOPHER MCDONALD, ENGINEER
Ship’s Engineer
ROLE:
Operating and maintaining the Ship’s engine
PLACE OF WORK:
Engine Room
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Studying sketches of the ss Great Britain’s engine
SAMUEL ARCHER, SURGEON
Ship’s surgeon
ROLE:
Looking after the health of the Ship’s passengers and crew
PLACE OF WORK:
Ship’s surgery
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Collecting shells and writing his journal
WILLIAM ELLAMS, STEWARD
Ship’s Steward
ROLE:
Carrying food from the galley to the First Class Dining Saloon, waiting at tables, making passengers’ beds, filling passengers’ baths
PLACE OF WORK:
First Class Dining Saloon
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Reading on his bunk
WILLIAM HARDY, ABLE SEAMAN
Able Seaman ROLE:
To adjust and operate the sails and steer the Ship
PLACE OF WORK:
On the Weather Deck
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Playing the accordian
JOHN DOWDALL, COOK
Ship’s cook
ROLE:
Preparing meals for the Ship’s passengers and crew
PLACE OF WORK:
Galley
WHEN NOT WORKING, MIGHT BE FOUND…
Whistling along to a sea shanty he overheard the sailors singing
