SS GREAT BRITAIN - BRITAIN - 1843
Launched in 1843 the SS Great Britain was by far the largest
ship in the world and most technically innovative ship. She
was over 100 feet longer than her rivals, and the first screw-propelled
vessel to cross the Atlantic, also the first iron ship to
do so. However, her high cost had left her owners in a difficult
financial position, and they were forced out of business a
few years later.
In 1852, she made her first voyage to Melbourne, Australia,
carrying 630 emigrants. During her time, she was considered
the most reliable immigrant ship between Britain and Australia.
In 1970, the Great Britain was returned to the Bristol dry
dock where she was born. She’s now listed as part of
the National Historic Fleet and Core Collection. SS Great
Britain won the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize as UK Museum
of the Year 2006. The vessel attracts 150,000-170,000 visitors
annually.
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