Could You Survive as a Sailor on a Victorian Ocean Liner?

What was working on SS Great Britain really like? Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain is undoubtedly one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched from Bristol by Prince Albert in 1843, she was called ’the greatest experiment since the creation’. No one else in the Victorian era had designed an iron ship so vast or revolutionary. It was also the world’s first great luxury ocean liner, carrying passengers to the United States and Australia throughout her long career. SS Great Britain changed history. As well as being built of iron and steam powered, Brunel rejected using conventional paddle wheels to drive his ship. Instead, his revolutionary screw propeller was the newest invention in maritime technology. But what was it like to work on SS Great Britain? What were the jobs aboard ship? And did the crew get to share the comforts of passengers aboard the world’s first luxury ocean liner? History Hit presenters Louee Dessent and Luke Tomes step aboard to experience the life of the crew in the 19th century, to see what it was really like serving on the world’s first ocean liner. But while Luke gets to enjoy the relative ease of life as an officer, Louee takes on the less enviable jobs of stoker and able seaman. As well as getting into authentic Victorian costume, the pair are put to work flag raising, map reading and climbing the rigging. Louee also takes on the Go Aloft! Challenge, climbing out across the yard arm for a better view of the Bristol dry dock where SS Great Britain was launched. Visit to explore the ship’s story further - and be sure to check out SS Great Britain’s on Instagram (@ssgreatbritain) and TikTok (@ssgreatbritain) Sign up to History Hit TV now and get 7 days free: And remember, as YouTube subscribers, you can sign up to History Hit TV today with code YOUTUBE and enjoy 50% off your first 3 months! For more history content, subscribe to our History Hit newsletters: #historyhit #ssgreatbritain #brunel 00:00 Introduction 01:09 SS Great Britain Artefacts 04:16 Sailor Carvings 06:18 Sailor Accomodation 09:46 Promenade Deck 11:53 Engine Room 14:12 Steam Engine 18:51 Able Seaman Responsibilities 22:28 Captain’s Cabin 25:22 “Dandy Funk“ 26:48 The State Room 29:37 Climbing the Rigging