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
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
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
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
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
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
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 accordion
JOHN DOWDALL, 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
