Charles Parsons' Turbinia was the first steam turbine-powered vessel, and was the fastest ship in the world at the time. Developed by Charles Algernon Parsons, the hull was constructed by the sheet metal-working firm of Brown and Hood in Wallsend.
Turbinia was first trialled in 1894, and following modifications which brought the total of propellers to nine was able to achieve a top speed of over 34 knots (or 39 miles per hour). Proof of Turbinia's speed was given when she arrived apparently unannounced at the Diamond Jubilee Naval Review in 1897, racing between the lines of ships and steaming back and forth in front of the assembled dignitaries, easily evading the navy picket boat which attempted to pursue her.