The SS Great Britain was a steam-powered ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) which sailed on its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York in May 1845. It was the largest passenger ship in the world at the time and showed that giant metal steamships were faster and more energy-efficient than smaller wooden vessels.
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Definition
Timeline
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19 Jul 1843Isambard Kingdom Brunel's steamship SS Great Britain is officially launched at Bristol.
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May 1845The steamship SS Great Britain completes its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York.
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Sep 1846The steamship SS Great Britain runs aground in Dundrum Bay on the northeast coast of Ireland.
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Dec 1851The Great Western Steamship Company sells the steamship SS Great Britain to Gibbs, Bright & Company.
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1886The SS Great Britain is wrecked off the Falkland Islands.
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1970The SS Great Britain is towed from the Falkland Islands to Bristol for restoration.
