In , he was appointed their chief engineer and work began on the line that linked London to Bristol. Brunel is noted for introducing the broad gauge in place of the standard gauge on this line. While working on the line from Swindon to Gloucester and South Wales he devised the combination of tubular, suspension and truss bridge to cross the Wye at Chepstow.
This design was further improved in his famous bridge over the Tamar at Saltash near Plymouth. As well as bridges, tunnels and railways, Brunel was responsible for the design of several famous ships. The 'Great Western', launched in , was the first steamship to engage in transatlantic service. In due course traffic to and from London increased enormously, and mixed gauge tracks were provided between London and Bristol during In anticipation of the final conversion to the standard rail gauge, during the bridge was widened on each side in order to carry four standard gauge tracks.
This work was carried out under the supervision of Sir John Fowler, the width overall being increased from 30ft to 57ft 3in. She was the largest ship of her time, built of metal, powered by an engine and driven by propeller rather than paddle wheel. Today, she has been fully restored and is on display in Bristol as a popular tourist attraction.
Discover more about the SS Great Britain on their website. It was an ambitious and groundbreaking feat of engineering, and the largest ship of its time. Sadly, Brunel, a heavy smoker, suffered a stroke just before Great Eastern 's ill-fated maiden voyage in , in which she was damaged by an explosion. Brunel died 10 days later, aged 53, leaving a pioneering legacy behind him. Find out more about the Great Eastern. See more in our Maritime London gallery.
On the 5th September , Brunel was onboard the SS Great Eastern, one of his most notable creations and the largest ship ever built in its time. As the ship tested its engines before setting sail for New York, Brunel had a stroke on deck. He returned to his home at 18 Duke Street, London where he died on 15 September , aged fifty-three.
Memorials were quickly made, including a plaque at each end of the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash which was opened just a few months before his death. This plaque can still be seen on the bridge today. Plan and elevation of the Rotherhithe Tunnel.
Lithograph of the Great Western, SS Great Britain in full sail. Visit Us. A replica bridge is in place and work is underway to complete essential work to conserve the original bridge.
The Great Western was broken up in after serving as a passenger ship, steam packet post ship and a troop ship. Download: Who was Brunel — Teaching Resource. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of 22 museums, galleries and networks to secure Art Fund Reimagine Grants to support their future and communities ….
Scroll through this timeline to explore the key events that led to the completion of Clifton Suspension Bridge. Please note: this page is not optimised…. Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear of Hard Hat Tour announcements, special events and news. We send emails once a month. Who Was Brunel? Weekend Bridge Tours — Winter 13th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th November tours.
Historical timeline Scroll through this timeline to explore the key events that led to the completion of Clifton Suspension Bridge. Please note: this page is not optimised… History timeline. Keep in Touch Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear of Hard Hat Tour announcements, special events and news.
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