The "Great Eastern" in Southampton Water

Photograph of The Great Eastern from the starboard side on the horizon. Six masts and five funnels can be seen on the ship. Two small yachts sail in front of the ship. Photograph taken from the shoreline which can be seen in the foreground.

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.