YEAR 2 pupils from Brunel class at Beech Grove Primary School in Wellington went back in time on a visit to the SS Great Britain in Bristol.

The children were transported back to 18 41 to help finish the building of the great ship and learned how to handle the hot rivets and hammer them into place.

Once the build was complete they dressed as important guests, paying public and ship’s crew to attend the ship’s launch.

After lunch they toured the ship, visiting all decks including the banquet hall, kitchen, cabins and engine room.

The children, along with the staff and carers who gave up their time to accompany them, thoroughly enjoyed the fact-filled, interactive trip.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-59) was an English mechanical and civil engineer considered one of the greatest figures of the Industrial Revolution.

The SS Great Britain, which Brunel helped in the development of, was the first propeller-driven ocean-going iron ship. At the time (1843) it was also the largest ship ever built.