Bristol launches the first iron-hulled, screw-driven ship, in the World into the River Avon.
On this day July 19, 1843, #IsambardKingdomBrunel's ocean-going #steamship the #SSGreatBritain was launched.
It was the largest vessel afloat in the world from 1845 to 1854.
She was built for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between #Bristol and New York.
Making her first journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 14 days.
Following a grounding at #DundrumBay, #CountyDown, off the coast of northern #Ireland, and the resulting cost of re-floating her, the company was bankrupted in 1846.
Sold for #salvage in 1852 and repaired, Great Britain found a new purpose in conveying thousands of emigrants to #Australia.
Our illustration from 'The Illustrated London News' published in August 1852 shows "The 'Great Britain' steam-ship leaving #PrincesPier, #Liverpool for Australia."
The story states that "it is confidently expected that she will reach (#Melbourne) in fifty-six days from England; whereas double that length of time is considered an average voyage for a sailing vessel."
Furthermore, "the Great Britain is fully equipped to resist any attempt to attack the vessel that might be made, for she is mounted with six heavy deck guns, and arms and ammunition for 100 men. The crew of the Great Britain consists of about 130 persons in all"
Having been the most advanced vessel afloat in 1843, she reverted to an all-sail ship in 1881.
In 1884 she sailed to the #FalklandIslands where she was variously used for storage, for quarantine use, and as a coal hulk.
Scuttled in 1937, this may have been the end of #Brunel's vessel were it not for the late Sir Jack Arnold Hayward who funded her raising and return to dry dock in Bristol.
Now a fully renovated #museum #ship, Great Britain is part of the #NationalHistoricFleet, and a major visitor attraction.
To see the full page report, including an image of the "Ballangeich" emigrant ship leaving #Southampton for Australia, visit the Frontispiece Ltd of #canarywharf #TowerHamlets #e14 website.