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The GREAT BRITAIN Times. Volume One. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
The GREAT BRITAIN Times. Volume One. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

The GREAT BRITAIN Times. Volume One. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Date1852
Object number00003911
NameShip newspaper
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 430 x 293 mm, 2 mm, 0.05 kg
Display Dimensions: 865 x 599 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe shipboard newspaper for the SS GREAT BRITAIN titled 'The GREAT BRITAIN Times. Volume One. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. GREAT BRITAIN steam ship Table Bay, 14 October 1852'. Beneath the header is a copy of the GREAT BRITAIN's log with additional notes furnished by Captain Mathews followed by a journal of daily transactions on board starting 24 August. Printed in Capetown, Cape of Good Hope. SS GREAT BRITAIN was launched in 1843 and was the largest and most powerful ship of its time, equipped with a 1000 hp steam engine and a screw propeller. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this screw-propelled, ocean-going, iron-hulled steam ship was the first of its kind and there was an enormous amount of interest in it. Launched by the Prince of Wales, SS GREAT BRITAIN would continue working until 1886. The vessel was restored and now resides as a museum ship in Bristol.HistoryThe SS GREAT BRITAIN was a defining moment in shipping. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the ship took advantage of every new maritime and engineering technology available at the time and combined them to become the largest and most powerful ship in 1843. In 1846 SS GREAT BRITAIN ran aground in Dundrum Bay, Ireland. With badly damaged engines, the owners Great Western SS CO, sold the vessel to Gibbs, Bright & Co who made some structural changes that allowed a greater number of steerage passengers and by changing the engines were able to reduce running costs. This opened up the emigrant trade to Australia for them and they were successful in making 32 round trips from Liverpool to Australia. In 1882 SS GREAT BRITAIN was converted into a sailing ship and later became a coal and wool hulk in the Falkland Islands until 1933.SignificanceThis shipboard newspaper was produced for the SS GREAT BRITAIN, at one time the largest vessel ever built. It captures daily life on board the ship including the recording of pastimes such as chess tournaments, dancing and an on shore cricket match at St Helens.