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The time the idea of the Great Eastern came to life
‘His vision was that it should carry 4,000 passengers, in magnificent style, as far as the Antipodes - without needing to refuel.’ -
First design of the Great Eastern
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John Scott Russel
John Scott Russell was hired to assist Isambard Kingdom Brunel on the construction of the Great Eastern in 1852. As a well-known naval architect and engineer, Russell brought with him extensive knowledge and experience in shipbuilding, making him a valuable addition to the project. -
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Funds
Isambard Kingdom Brunel received the funds to build the Great Eastern, an extraordinary engineering feat of its time, in the mid-19th century. Following initial proposals in 1852 and a series of setbacks related to financial constraints and public skepticism, Brunel finally secured funding for this monumental project in 1854. -
Disaster
There was a disaster before construction where fire swept through the shipyard. The wood there was the fuel for the fire. The models and designs of the plans to make the ship were gone. He had no insurance and had to borrow from the bank. -
Failed Launch
The launch was affected by the chains where it broke and lashed out leading to injuries. Everyone looked and were angry this led to Brunel postponing the launch. It was moved only 4 feet. Five men were injured and one was critically injured. John Donavan died from internal injuries. Bunel is humiliated. -
It Floats
They also bought every hydraulic ram in the country to push it. The work continued through the night with the ship moving an inch. There is talk about scrapping the ship and selling the iron. The pushing and pulling went on for 90 days. There was then a breakthrough.. 31st Jan 1858 the ship floats. The ship was registered as the Great Eastern. -
Was it all for nothing?
A safety vowel caused the explosion and they thought russel was the cause for it with no charges being pressed for the lack of supervision. No person wanted to go on the ship and was regarded as a commercial failure. -
A death of an engineer
Brunel died at his residence at half past 10 and died at the age of 53. -
The scrapping and finding of a gruesome discovery
On the first day of 1899 the wreckers started to tear her apart. When they slashed through the double haul they made a discovery. There were two bodies, a child and a riveter. Their deaths were said to jinx the Great eastern. Brunel was regarded as the greatest engineer in the world.