S.S Great Britain
A Maritime Revolution
A giant survivor of the Victorian shipping industry, The SS Great Britain was the world??s first iron hulled, screw propeller-driven passenger liner. These revolutionary features in her design have had a significant influence on all modern ships. One of Isambard Kingdom Brunel??s finest works, the SS Great Britain was launched in 1843 from Great Western Dockyard where it was constructed. At it??s launch it weighed twice the tonnage of any previous ship making it truly unique.
The SS Great Britain has a rich history. Having played a key role in World wide mass emigration, carrying thousands of emigrants to the USA and to Australia. She also served as a troop carrier in the Crimean war and Indian mutiny. By the late 1870s she had been greatly altered and was showing signs of age having travelled over a million miles in total. On a voyage around Cape Horn she ran into trouble and had to take shelter in Port Stanley, in the Falklands. Instead of being repaired she was sold as a coal and wood storage vessel. In Port Stanley she remained and by 1937 being no longer watertight she was beached and left to the elements.
Finally in 1970, an epic salvage effort re-floated the ship, and she was towed back home across the Atlantic to Bristol, where she can now be visited by the public. Resting in the Great Western Dockyard, a major conservation programme aimed at long-term preservation of the ship??s original iron hull has now begun.
The Great western Dockyard itself is of special interest as the first purpose-built integrated iron steam ship works in the world. The survival of both ship and site together is an extraordinary and unique conjunction of international significance.
The SS Great Britain is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas day. The site also features a fascinating ??Maritime heritage centre?? where you can find out lots more about the SS Great Britain and explore Bristol??s long-running and varied maritime tradition. There is even a full sized replica of John Cabot??s 15th century ship ??The Matthew?? which can be visited by the public. At the end of a fun day you can relax in the Dockyard Caf?? Bar, which provides food and drink for any tired or thirsty visitor.
Submitted by: David Knocker, 03 February 2003
