However, one individual stands out as an iconic figure in Victorian design and engineering. Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s legacy remains as important as ever. Yet, who is the ‘Little Giant’ and what exactly did he achieve throughout his lifetime?

Born in Portsmouth on April 9th 1806, Brunel was already part of a family heavily involved in engineering. His French father Sir Marc Isambard Brunel was an engineer who had fled his home country during the revolution and became a key figure in various engineering projects both in the UK and New York City. 

Educated in both England and France, Brunel learnt the principles of engineering from a young age and soon went on to study under the famous master clockmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet before returning to England. 

Although Isambard’s father was the chief engineer on the project, the Thames Tunnel marked the Little Giant’s first foray into engineering upon returning home and he played a huge part in its construction. Although he was nearly swept away during a flooding incident and the project was hindered by lack of finances, the Thames Tunnel was finally opened 18 years after initial construction, it was hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. 

In 1865, the tunnel was sold to the railways and would become a key component in the London Underground, a role that it still carries out to this day. 

Arguably the most iconic structure in the city of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a truly magnificent display of Victorian ironworks and engineering. 

Brunel was only 24 years old when he first laid out the plans for the bridge after winning a competition stipulated in the will of a wealthy benefactor, making this his first major commission. Work began on the bridge in 1831, however, soon after riots across the city made continuation of construction impossible due to a loss of investor confidence. 

It was because of this that Brunel would sadly never see the completion of his iconic structure. However, the 19th century bridge designed to carry light horse-drawn traffic is still in use today. Suspended above the Avon Gorge by 81 wrought-iron rods, the bridge is a sight to behold.

Although the SS Great Britain wasn’t the first ship Brunel designed, it is arguably his most famous, setting a number of precedents in the field of marine engineering. When it was launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain was the largest ship in the world at 320 feet long. 

However, it was also the first ocean-going iron ship, kick-starting a new age of oceanic travel. Carrying 252 passengers and 130 crew members, its first voyage across the Atlantic took only a mere 14 days, smashing records set by other similar ships.

Whilst Brunel’s feats are amazing in their own right, they would never have been achieved without a team of quality ironmongers and steelworkers. As specialists in this industry, we’re proud to be a part of such an illustrious history and endeavour to offer our customers the best service possible. 

For more information, visit our website or get in touch with our team on 01432 265757.