Synopsis:

In building SS Great Britain, the second of his three great ships, Brunel successfully combined and adapted the very best of cutting-edge technologies to create the world’s first transatlantic liner – a true wonder of the Victorian age. She was the first ocean-going steamship with an iron hull, and the first driven by a propeller. This extraordinary ship, launched in 1843 as the largest and fastest afloat, transformed shipbuilding and sea travel for ever.

Your Speaker: Ian Caskie

Ian's enthusiasm for his subject is clearly evident in his illustrated talk, which tells the SS Great Britain's remarkable story from her original design through the different phases of her working life.

It also describes life on board and her incredible salvage and return to Bristol in 1970, and finally her restoration, preservation and ‘re-launch’ as a multi award-winning museum of international renown.

He has delivered his very popular talk at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth and to an extensive number of groups throughout the country.