Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world.
When she was launched in 1843, she was called ‘the greatest experiment since the Creation’.
No one had ever designed so vast a ship, nor had the vision to build it of iron. Brunel fitted her with a 1000 hp steam engine, the most powerful yet used at sea. Perhaps most daring of all, Brunel rejected using conventional paddle wheels to drive his ship. Instead, he gave the SS Great Britain a screw propeller. This was the newest invention in maritime technology. By seeing how to combine these key innovations, Brunel created a ship that changed history.


Prince Albert launches Brunel’s iron ship into Floating Harbour at Bristol – the start of her amazing journey history.