The introduction of steam powered ships revolutionised the shipping industry. Ships no longer needed to rely on the wind to transport goods and people around the globe.
Though the first steam ship was developed as early as 1794 by the Earl of Stanhope, but it wasn't very successful. However, the technology developed quickly and by 1837 when Queen Victoria came to the throne, many steam powered ships were in use around the country.
The steamship Baltic © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Sailing and steam ships continued to be used alongside each other, but as steam ship design got better they became more common. This changed the types of people who went to work on ships. On a sailing ship, seamen needed to have more traditional sailing skills such as being able to work rigging, which is the system of ropes and chains that control the sails. But the new steam ships required engineers who could work in the engine room. A lot of the engine room jobs were quite dangerous, with heavy machinery and large furnaces on board.
Exterior view of Brunel's SS Great Britain © Joyce Nelson. Shutterstock.com
One of the most famous steam powered passenger ships from the Victorian era was the SS Great Britain. In its early life the ship was a very luxurious way to travel, especially when compared to the older sailing ships, with fine dining and comfy cabins on offer to first class passengers. The lower-class passengers who were staying in the cheaper accommodation known as steerage, had far less luxury with dark and cramped cabins and simpler food.
Like earlier sailing ships, the modern steam ships would have had a purser employed to look after the ship’s accounts. The purser would also help passengers with any money matters they had. At this time there were no card or electronic payments, so all the passengers would have been carrying cash on their journeys.
Sleeping quarters on the SS Great Britain © Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB. Shutterstock.com
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Children on board the SS Great Britain