The SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world – the great-great-grandmother of all modern ships.
Her creator, Isambard Kingdom Brunel was one of the 19th century engineering giants. Brunel’s work positively affected part of our everyday landscapes. The Suspension Bridge we cross and see every day, the symbol of Bristol, also owes its existence to Mr Brunel.
At the time of the SS Great Britain’s launch in 1843 she was the largest ship in the world.
In 1886 she was badly damaged by a storm that put an end to her ocean-career. She was kept in Port William until 1969, when naval architect Ewan Corlett brought her back home to the UK. After a two month journey, the tired ship finally arrived in Avonmouth, was brought up the River Avon and finally welcomed ‘home’ on 19 July 1970 – back to the dock in which she was built, exactly 127 years to the day after her launch in 1843.
As every ancient ship, the SS Great Britain has lots of stories to tell to those who are ready to listen.
Original diary letters from the time show that no two journeys were the same, and no two passengers alike.
It was a luxury home for 1st class passengers and the young Queen Victoria also made an official visit.
For more information about the Ship, her history, all the events taking place and also in order to support the charity, take a look at their website.
https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/