The "Great Eastern" in Southampton Water

Photograph of the SS Great Eastern pictured from the starboard side. The ship's six masts and five funnels can be seen and two smaller sailing boats can be seen to the right of the ship.  

The Great Eastern was a steam ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was the largest ship of its kind. The ship was plagued by bad fortune including an explosion during her maiden voyage in 1859. In November 1859, the Great Eastern arrived in Southampton from Holyhead where it was thought she would sail to America. However, following damage sustained to the harbour breakwater during a storm, Southampton was chosen as the departure point. This photograph, taken at Southampton, may have been taken on the 17 June 1860, during the ship's first transatlantic voyage to America.