The SS Great Britain, designed by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was a marvel of its time – so much so that at its launch in 1843, it was called 'the greatest experiment since the Creation'. At 322 feet (98m) long, it was the first large vessel built with an iron hull and powered by a single screw propeller, and made history in 1845 as the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic.

Originally created for transatlantic luxury service, it could carry 252 first- and second-class passengers in style. With its grand dining salons and well-appointed cabins, the Great Britain became the preferred choice for wealthy travellers seeking a more sophisticated way to journey across the ocean.

Ranked: The BIGGEST passenger ships of all time