2-667-912 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

The 'Great Eastern' under construction, Millwall, London, 1855. Albumen print. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's steamship 'Great Eastern', built between 1854 and 1858, was by far the largest ship of her time with a gross tonnage of 18,915. Designed to carry up to 4000 passengers between England, the Far East and Australia without refuelling, Great Eastern was the first ship to have a double-skinned hull. The construction of the vessel at Millwall attracted huge public interest, and it was famously photographed by Robert Howlett as well as by Joseph Cundall. Despite acute financial difficulties, and failed launches in November 1857, Great Eastern was eventually launched in January 1858.