Print. One of a set of prints showing the Great Eastern (1857) under weigh with the escort of other ships including the Terrible (1845), the Sphinx, the Hawk and the Caroline. The 19,000-tonner Great Eastern was six times larger than any ship ever built, and had to be launched sideways. The reason why the Great Eastern was so extremely large was that she was built for the run from Europe to Australia. While earlier steamers had to refuel in almost every harbour they passed, the Great Eastern was designed to make the entire trip without refuelling until she reached Calcutta.