Last Updated on 7 months by Christopher G Mendla
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a British engineer who left an amazing legacy in his 53 short years. This was the time of the Industrial Revolution. He had vision and drive far beyond most men. His works included Ships, Bridges, Tunnels and Railroads. Most of his works were larger than life such as the amazing Great Eastern Steamship.
You might be cool but you will never be Isambard Kingdom Brunel Smoking a cigar in a top hat in front of massive chains cool
Introduction
I was introduced to Brunel and his works over a period of time. I found information on the Great Eastern, a steamship that revolutionized passenger ships.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was born in April of 1806. His father was an engineer who saw to it that Brunel would have the best education possible.
The Thames Tunnel
After his education, he worked as an assistant engineer on his father’s project, The Thames Tunnel. Construction of the tunnel involved several engineering firsts. It opened to the public on 25 March 1843 and is still in use today over 170 years later. This tunnel proved that tunnels could be successfully run under major rivers.
Bridges
Brunel designed and built around two dozen major bridges. Many of these are still in use today. The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Brunel but he died before it was complete. The bridge is still in use and carries 4 million vehicles a year.
The Royal Albert Bridge Attribution: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~owend/
Brunel also was instrumental in developing the Great Western Railway and revolutionary steamships such as the Great Western.
For further reading
- Wiki article on Isambard Kingdom Brunel
- The Thames Tunnel