1-157-776 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Longitudinal section of a steam turbine fitted into the Dover packet boat 'Queen', c1904. The turbines for the 'Queen' were designed by the Anglo-Irish engineer Sir Charles Parsons (1854-1931). Parsons first demonstrated the steam turbine in his vessel the 'Turbinia' in 1897. The invention revolutionised marine transport, making ships capable of much higher speeds than had previously been possible.