1-646-402 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 'Great Western', 1882. The 'Great Western' was launched in 1837 for the Great Western Steamship Co as the first of three steamships designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Accomodating 300 passengers and crew, she was the first steam vessel built specifically to operate on the transatlantic route, making a total of 64 crossings. From Bristol, Past and Present by JF Nicholls and John Taylor. (Bristol, 1882).