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Great Eastern on the stocks at Millwall on the Thames, 1857
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Great Eastern on the stocks at Millwall on the Thames, 1857
Great Eastern on the stocks at Millwall on the Thames, 1857. View from the stern, showing the vessel in John Scott Russells (1808-1882) yard. Double-hulled, of all iron construction, and powered by four steam engines driving both paddle wheels and screw propeller, the Great Eastern was intended for the passenger trade between Britain and Australia and India. After a few troubled passenger voyages she was sold for £ 25, 000, a fraction of the building cost of probably £ 500, 000, and converted to a cable laying ship. In this role she was used in laying the Atlantic Telegraph Cable in 1865-1866, and other similar projects. The Great Eastern was Isambard Kingdom Brunels (1806-1859) last great project. He collapsed on her deck on her launch in 1858 and died a few days later. From The Illustrated London News. (London, 7 November 1857)
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Media ID 14865872
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the awe-inspiring sight of the Great Eastern on the stocks at Millwall on the Thames in 1857. The view from the stern showcases this monumental vessel, which was a testament to engineering brilliance and technological innovation of its time. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of history's greatest engineers, this double-hulled iron ship was powered by four steam engines that drove both paddle wheels and a screw propeller. Originally intended for passenger trade between Britain, Australia, and India, the Great Eastern faced troubled voyages before being sold for a fraction of its building cost. It was then converted into a cable laying ship and played a crucial role in laying the Atlantic Telegraph Cable in 1865-1866. The sheer size and magnitude of this ship is evident in this image. Its colossal presence dominates the frame as it stands proudly amidst John Scott Russell's yard. This print not only represents an important milestone in maritime history but also serves as a metaphor for progress and ambition during the Victorian era. With vibrant colors highlighting every intricate detail of machinery and construction, this chromolithograph transports us back to an era when Britain led the shipping industry with groundbreaking innovations. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece of transportation history, we are reminded of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's legacy and his final great project that sadly claimed his life just days after its launch.
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