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Technological innovation, inspirational design and some truly revolutionary features lay behind the development of the ss Great Britain, the world's first iron-hulled, steam-powered ocean going ship.

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (Right), the ship was built in 1843 at the Great Western Dockyard in Bristol, under the supervision of Brunel and his colleagues at the Great Western Steamship Company & Thomas Guppy, Christopher Claxton and William Patterson.

From the outset, the ss Great Britain was unique. Widely regarded as one of Brunel's finest works, she was built to serve the burgeoning transatlantic passenger trade. On 26 July 1845, the ship undertook her maiden voyage to New York, a journey completed in an astounding 14 days. This achievement marked the beginning of a rich nautical history, and the ss Great Britain is now widely recognised as one of the technological forerunners of much modern shipping. She is also viewed by many as exemplifying the industry and inventiveness of the Victorian era, while symbolising the birth of international passenger travel and world communications.