SS Great Eastern

ships · Victorian engineering · record breaker · steam power

Biggest ship ever. When the SS Great Eastern launched in 1858, she was by far the largest ship anyone had ever built, and her record stood for over 40 years until 1899.

Built by Brunel. The famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed this incredible ship, and it was constructed at Millwall Iron Works on the River Thames in London.

Double power system. The ship had both sidewheels and a screw propeller to push through the water, giving her extra power and making her faster and more reliable.

Carried thousands. With room for 4,000 passengers, the SS Great Eastern could make the long journey to Australia without needing to stop and refuel along the way.

Giant paddle wheels. She had the largest set of paddle wheels that existed at the time, and her five funnels were unusual and impressive to see rising from the deck.