The wrought iron steamship was built in 1843 in Bristol, under the supervision of Brunel. The SS Great Britain set the design standards for today’s modern shipping and eminently demonstrated the industry and inventiveness of the Victorian era. Almost single-handedly Brunel shaped the future of mass passenger travel and international communications. Originally conceived as a paddle steamer, her design was quickly altered to take advantage of the new technology of screw propulsion, and her engines were converted to power a massive 16 foot iron propeller. When launched in 1843 she was by far the largest ship in the world, at almost 100 m she was over 30 m longer than her nearest rival.
