Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ship the Great Eastern was constructed here between 1854 and 1857 and was finally launched sideways at 1:42pm on 31st January 1858, aided by an unusually high tide and strong winds. The full story can be seen at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Great_Eastern The site of the launch is still partly visible next to Burrell’s Wharf on the Isle of Dogs as can be seen here.
She was eventually scrapped at New Ferry on the River Mersey by Henry Bath & Son Ltd in 1889–1890. It took 18 months to take her apart. At the time Everton Football Club were looking for a flagpole for their Anfield ground, and consequently purchased her top mast. It still stands there today at the ground which is now owned by Liverpool Football Club, at the Kop end.