History Daily The Maiden Voyage of the Great Western
Apr 8, 2025
In 1838, the Great Western, the first steamship designed for transatlantic travel, set sail from Bristol to New York City. The voyage was fraught with challenges, including a harrowing engine room explosion that injured the chief engineer. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's engineering genius shone through as he overcame fierce competition and skepticism. Ultimately, the ship made history by crossing the Atlantic in just 15 days, paving the way for advancements in maritime technology and future cultural milestones.
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Thames Tunnel Flooding
- Isambard Kingdom Brunel nearly drowned during the Thames Tunnel project.
- Despite injury, he persevered, foreshadowing his future engineering feats.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Competition
- Brunel won the Clifton Suspension Bridge competition after challenging Thomas Telford's design.
- He argued his Egyptian-inspired design was superior and cheaper.
Basket Pulley Jam
- During a demonstration, Brunel's basket pulley system jammed.
- He climbed onto the support bar to free the rope, turning crisis into triumph.