SS Great Britain: from launch to 're-launch'
Ian Caskie
- Organisation:
- SS Great Britain Trust
- Regions:
- Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Hereford, Warwickshire, Worcestershire
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Volunteer speaker for SS Great Britain Trust
- Fee:
- Expensed: I charge 50p per mile. No fee other than a voluntary donation to the SS Great Britain Trustst
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 6th June 2026
- Tagged:
- Brunel | Bristol | 19Th Century | Maritime History
In building SS Great Britain, the second of his three great ships, Brunel successfully combined and adapted the very best of cutting-edge technologies to create the world’s first transatlantic liner – a true wonder of the Victorian age. She was the first ocean-going steamship with an iron hull, and the first driven by a propeller. This extraordinary ship, launched in 1843 as the largest and fastest afloat, transformed shipbuilding and sea travel for ever.
My enthusiasm for my subject is clearly evidenced in my illustrated talk which tells the SS Great Britain's remarkable story from her original design through the different phases of her working life. It also describes life on board and her incredible salvage and return to Bristol in 1970, and finally her restoration, preservation and ‘re-launch’ as a multi award-winning museum of international renown. I have delivered my very popular talk at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth and to an extensive number of groups throughout the country, including Probus, Rotary, Inner Wheel, WI, National Trust, Arts Societies and U3A branches as well as various lecture societies.
Views: 9 | Enquiries: 0About Ian Caskie
I was born and raised on Merseyside, where I spent many an hour watching the arrivals and departures at Liverpool’s busy Pier Head in the 1950s and 60s. This led to my lifelong passion for ships – especially ocean liners. I was a Primary Headteacher and School Improvement Adviser in Bristol for many years, and have been a Visitor Experience volunteer, speaker and tour guide with the SS Great Britain Trust since 2007. My enthusiasm for my subject is clearly evidenced in my illustrated talk which tells the SS Great Britain's remarkable story from her original design through the different phases of her working life. It also describes life on board and her incredible salvage and return to Bristol in 1970, and finally her restoration, preservation and ‘re-launch’ as a multi award-winning museum of international renown. I have delivered my very popular talk at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth and to an extensive number of groups throughout the country, including Probus, Rotary, Inner Wheel, WI, National Trust, Arts Societies and U3A branches as well as various lecture societies. email: i.v.caskie@gmail.com mobile: 07870 297440
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