A true genius and innovator in the history of engineering, Isambard Kingdom Brunel is a household name who achieved much in his relatively short life. With his 25 railway routes, 125 bridge plans, innovative designs and forward thinking; Brunel quite literally built much of modern Britain.
Engineering was in Brunel’s blood; his father, Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, was also an engineer of considerable repute. He had lived an eventful life, moving from France in the midst of a revolution to America. There, he became the Chief Engineer of the City of New York. His greatest feat, however, was the Thames Tunnel, running over 1000 feet in length and sited 75 feet below the river. It was described by engineering enthusiasts as the eighth wonder of the world.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel worked with his father on the Thames Tunnel. They successfully used ‘tunnelling shield‘ technology for the first time, which greatly reduced the risk of collapse. The tunnel became something of a cultural hot-spot, with half the London population of the time reputed to have walked its length, including Queen Victoria.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel is best remembered for his creation of the network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts, without which the Great Western Railway would not exist. Many of his bridges and viaducts scattered across Britain - from Hanwell to Gloucester - are famed not only for their practicality, but also their beauty. Brunel also tried his hand at ships. In 1837, he created the first ever steamship used for transatlantic service, the Great Western. This was followed by the first ever steam-powered passenger ship, The Great Britain.
The legacy of the Brunels’ work is undeniable and their contribution is evident in the city they are buried in. Though Mark Isambard Brunel’s contribution is significant, there is no doubt that his son’s achievements eclipsed his.
Both are buried at the family grave site.
Engineering was in Brunel’s blood; his father, Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, was also an engineer of considerable repute. He had lived an eventful life, moving from France in the midst of a revolution to America. There, he became the Chief Engineer of the City of New York. His greatest feat, however, was the Thames Tunnel, running over 1000 feet in length and sited 75 feet below the river. It was described by engineering enthusiasts as the eighth wonder of the world.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel worked with his father on the Thames Tunnel. They successfully used ‘tunnelling shield‘ technology for the first time, which greatly reduced the risk of collapse. The tunnel became something of a cultural hot-spot, with half the London population of the time reputed to have walked its length, including Queen Victoria.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel is best remembered for his creation of the network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts, without which the Great Western Railway would not exist. Many of his bridges and viaducts scattered across Britain - from Hanwell to Gloucester - are famed not only for their practicality, but also their beauty. Brunel also tried his hand at ships. In 1837, he created the first ever steamship used for transatlantic service, the Great Western. This was followed by the first ever steam-powered passenger ship, The Great Britain.
The legacy of the Brunels’ work is undeniable and their contribution is evident in the city they are buried in. Though Mark Isambard Brunel’s contribution is significant, there is no doubt that his son’s achievements eclipsed his.
Both are buried at the family grave site.
