Born 9 April 1806 – Died 15 September 1859

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was born in Portsmouth in 1831. Brunel’s design won the competition for the Clifton Suspension Bridge across the River Avon. The work for which Brunel is probably best remembered is his construction of a network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts for the Great Western Railway. As well as bridges, tunnels and railways, Brunel was responsible for the design of several famous ships including the ‘Great Western’, the world’s first iron-hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner. Brunel was also responsible for the redesign and construction of many of Britain’s major docks, including Bristol, Monkwearmouth, Cardiff and Milford Haven.