Exploring Isambard Kingdom Brunel's London

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was, by far, one of the greatest engineers of the 19th century- if not all time- and throughout his life, he maintained a close association with London.
In this video, we'll be exploring the sites in the capital associated with Brunel, including family homes, worksites, long lost landmarks and more...
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:06 Somerset House & Holborn
03:13 Chelsea & The King's Bench
06:00 Poultry & Lambeth
07:24 The Thames Tunnel
11:05 Blackfriars
12:52 The Great Western Railway (Wharncliffe Viaduct & Three Bridges)
16:26 Paddington & Crystal Palace
18:33 Westminster (Hungerford Bridge, Brunel's Statue & The War Office)
21:03 The SS Great Eastern
25:59 St James's Park & Kensal Green Cemetery
28:59 Outro
***
Links for this video:
Somerset House
www.somersethouse.org.uk/
St Andrew's Holborn
www.standrewholborn.org.uk/
The Brunel Museum
thebrunelmuseum.com/
The Viaduct Pub
www.viaduct-hanwell.co.uk
The Crystal Palace Museum
www.crystalpalacemuseum.org.uk
The SS Great Britain Museum
www.ssgreatbritain.org
***
Thank you so much to all of you who support my channel with your kind words, likes and shares.
If you're feeling extra generous, you can also support my work with a tip via either the KZbin 'thanks' button (which appears as a heart icon below the video), or alternatively, via my Ko-fi account:
ko-fi.com/robslondon
Any such financial donations are of course greatly appreciated, and they really do help when it comes to creating content.
My other links:
Twitter:
/ cabmirror
Instagram:
robert_lord...
Thanks again for watching, friends. Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!
***
Credits
Footage & Images:
Great Western Broad Gauge, 1892: didcotrailwaycentre.co.uk
Great Western Railway channel (Bristol to London) • Bristol Temple Meads t...
Clifton Suspension Bridge footage: BBC
Britain Street: www.portsmouth.co.uk
Wooden Pulley Block (Joe Ross): www.flickr.com/photos/joeross...
Louis Breguet watch: Michael Vainshtein (Creative Commons)
Crossrail Tunnelling Machine: Crossrail Project Channel: • Crossrail tunnelling: ...
Avon Gorge: RichTea
1830 Railway Documentary: • The Grand British Expe...
Brunel 1848 portrait: Science Museum
openstreetmap.org
David Rumsey Maps
Brunel University Statue: Matt Brown (Creative Commons)
Hungerford Suspension Bridge 1845: met museum.org (Public Domain)
Whistler Sketch: Royal Museums Greenwich
*
Sound Effects (all via Freesound.org):
Angry Crowd: mrrap4food
Guillotine: jameswrowles
Coughing: Joedeshon freesound
*
Music:
Danse Macabre - Isolated Harp by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: freepd.com/Classical/Danse%20M...
Artist: incompetech.com/
In Memory of Jean Talon (Mini Vandals)
Sonatina No 2 in F Major Rondo
Allemande, Wahneta Meixsell
Prelude No. 12 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Boreal, Asher Fulero
Fractal of Light (Chris Haugen)
Bluesy Vibes (Sting), Doux Maxwell/Media Right Productions
No. 9 Esther’s Waltz (Esther Abrami)
Sound Effects:
Vaquero Perdido (Mini Vandals)
Life in Romance by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/
No. 6 In My Dreams (Esther Abrami)
The Thought of You (TrackTribe)
***

[@alibenkahn5092]

The fact that when, asked to design a field hospital he consulted Florence Nightingale, shows just what a great man he was!

[@Robslondon]

Yep! ;-)

[@thewrecker3140]

Robslondon Rules. An amazing documentary of an extraordinary engineer whose works are there for all to see everyday. Long live IKB.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Wrecker 😉

[@fkelly2696]

😅

[@brettpalfrey4665]

The Brunels, Father and Son, were engineers ahead of their time. The modern world would not be the same without them. For me the GWR is Isambard's greatest acheivement, the worlds first high speed railway. Marc's Thames Tunnel was an engineering triumph, if not a financial one. What more could Isambard have acheived, had he lived even a few years more.. Thanks for posting this, I thoroughly enjoyed it

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Brett, and I couldn’t agree more- well said.

[@j.chikara]

Exactly, I have always wondered what we have missed out on now 😂 I guess I'll ask him when I see him 👏🏾 😇

[@PeterGaunt]

A man who would probably be in the top ten of people from the past who I'd like to spend an hour chatting with on a park bench. Thanks for this Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Peter, yes I know what you mean

[@mattvjmeasures]

Who are the other 9 ? (And that's quite a long bench 😊)

[@nelliemelba4967]

My Dad was an engineer and he had high hopes for me when I was born. Apparently he wanted to call me Isambard after his hero! Mum had other ideas. Great video, Rob, Dad, would have enjoyed it too!

[@Robslondon]

Ah! Great comment Nellie, thank you :-)

[@garyfallows1123]

Great Documentary, he was ahead of his time and the Greatest British Engineer

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Gary, and well said.

[@mewsli]

Can I add George Stephenson to the list of great engineers ? Chesterfield Station Derbyshire, has a statue to GS at the entrance. He's also buried in one of the local churchyards on the hillside (if my memory serves me well)

[@Robslondon]

@@mewsli For sure!

[@MagnaLynx21]

This was a masterpiece! You hear so much about Brunel's influence in Bristol and the GWR but rare to see such a good breakdown of his life in London.

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me, thank you so much. I lived in Bristol over 20 years ago and know how, quite rightly he means to that beautiful city. Thanks again and stay well.

[@damascus6478]

I did the London Walks Brunel tour a few years back (in the rain so there were only two of us and our guide) and it still amazes me how we stared at the Rotherhithe tunnel and were transfixed by what was in essence a black hole. I now hope to get to Bristol to see the Great Britain. Brunel was one of those people who just said "I can do this" and did. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't but he certainly left us with some incredible feats of engineering.

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment, thank you.

[@nathanreeves9408]

You will love the Great Britain, It's very well displayed. Brunel's Floating Harbour (essentially a harbour with lock gates) and of course the Clifton Suspension Bridge are not far from there either, so do be sure to take a good look around.

[@davidsillars3181]

I think he's the only Victorian engineer to become a 'household name'. I recall a childhood visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge which is still an awe inspiring feat of engineering. These ships looked pretty amazing though. Lovely vid.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you David, and yes- good point. Cheers and stay well.

[@Carolb66]

IkB, was the GOT in engineering, IMO. He is my hero a totsl legend. What he achieved in his short life wzs incredible. He was a one off, no one wil come close to achieving what he did again. 🥰👍

[@Robslondon]

Well said Carol.

[@Carolb66]

@@Robslondon thank you! ☺️

[@juvenalsdad4175]

A splendid tribute to the great man. I grew up in Greenford, and as a boy would often cycle to the Wharncliffe Viaduct with friends to play in the park there, although we knew it as the Hanwell Viaduct. Later I lived in Bristol, so I think my favourite Brunel project has to be the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment and one I can identify with 😉 Thank you.

[@trevorkirk413]

Great video. It's interesting that Marc was knighted, being a French man by birth, but Isambard was not knighted, even after all his great achievements and English by birth. These two were true visionaries.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Trevor- great comment. I can only assume that Isambard died before he had the chance for a knighthood 😕

[@badgastein2]

IKB’s father was thought of as the Genius until well after IKB died, which explains some way, as to why he wasn’t knighted. You can verify this by looking them up in the encyclopaedia of the 1870’s. Very professional video, by the way .

[@Robslondon]

@@badgastein2 Thank you

[@k9killer221]

I've visited Brunel University and I was very impressed. Apart from it's excellent reputation for engineering research and curriculum, it's (modern) architecture is very imposing in a good way.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, it’s an interesting site- I wanted to show more of it here but couldn’t fit it in!

[@paulwilson7234]

Another excellent Sunday evening video.

[@adrianrutterford762]

Yes. A perfect mix a new video from Rob, and dinner roasting in the oven.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Paul

[@Robslondon]

Sounds lovely 😄

[@Sarge084]

Having been an avid Blue Peter watcher I was introduced to the works of Brunel and became a huge fan and admirer of him and his work. Thanks for expanding my knowledge of his work and places he called home.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you 😉

[@SeanMunger]

Hey man, great job! Love your stuff. I hope your channel keeps getting noticed, it deserves the views.

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that Sean, thank you. It's support from good people such as yourself which keeps me going. Your channel looks fascinating, will enjoy binging it ;-) Thank you again my friend and stay well.

[@michaelsummerell8618]

As a Bristolian, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is my personal favourite of Brunel's works as it became an iconic image of the engineer - the last flight of Concorde (engines built in Bristol's Rolls Royce plant) took in a fly-over of the bridge. Many thanks for this superb documentary Rob - you've clearly put in a lot of hard work, time and effort into this. I must say I appreciate that in your recent videos you've ventured out of London, seeing how connects with the country around it - this gives a refreshing perspective for someone who doesn't personally live in that city. Many thanks for your excellent work

[@Robslondon]

Michael, thank you so much- a superb comment. Bristol is a great city; I have family from there and lived there myself some 20 years ago; both in Fishponds and Filton. Thanks also regarding my ventures further out… I’m hoping to make this a more regular thing 😉 Thanks again; cheers and stay well.

[@michaelsummerell8618]

​@Robslondon It's a small world Rob - I grew up in Fishponds, so I know that area very well! I wonder when you were there - we may have even passed eachother on the street! Keep up the good work Rob - I subscribed some time back and always enjoy your light-hearted but informative style. Cheers!

[@Robslondon]

@@michaelsummerell8618 Ha ha! I would've been there in around 2000, lived on Blackberry Hill ;-)

[@michaelsummerell8618]

​@@RobslondonI know it well mate! Glad to hear you've spent some time in my home town, it definitely has a colourful history too albeit some of which is more controversial than others. Brunel certainly made an impact here, with the Suspension Bridge, the S S Great Britain, Temple Meads Station and of course the Great Western railway. He's often looked upon as one "Bristol's own" but strangely he never had a permanent home in the city. Take care Rob, I look forward to your next video! 😊

[@JoeStudd96]

Not just the engines, the British Concordes were assembled at Filton.

[@AnthonyBrown12324]

Great mixture of Brunels social and engineering feats . As you say one of the greatest engineers .

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Anthony, thank you.

[@brianartillery]

Thank you for that wonderfully detailed and concise history of possibly the greatest engineer of all time. He's been a hero of mine since I was a child, and I still remember being thrilled by the sight of his beautiful bridge over the Tamar, on the way to a holiday in Cornwall, in about 1968. Don't remember much about the holiday, but I do remember the Albert Bridge, proudly bearing, in huge cast letters: 'I.K. BRUNEL. 1859.' I went over it on a train in 2007, and it still brought me out in goosebumps.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Brian; a beautiful comment. Stay well.

[@JonniePolyester]

Superb prog Rob! Clarkson’s Greatest Briton programme on Brunel was superb too. 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Jonnie 😉

[@tonylancaster8704]

A great video about a great man the best engineer in the era which he lived, the fact that so many of his works are still in use today is proof of his genius, so thanks for making and uploading this video

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Tony, thank you for watching and thank you for the kind words.

[@catpawrosales4265]

IKB was indeed a fascinating and visionary character

[@Robslondon]

Well said Cat

[@Slycockney]

Outstanding work Rob, that was absolutely brilliant. I am from Paddington so have always had an interest in Brunel. You did the great man proud, I applaud you Sir.

[@Robslondon]

I truly can’t express how much that means to me Slycockney. Thank you so much mate.

[@Slycockney]

@@Robslondon Credit where it's due Rob, excellent video.

[@Robslondon]

@@Slycockney Thanks mate

[@Slycockney]

@@Robslondon I also meant to mention that I had been walking over the original Bishop's bridge in Paddington for many years before discovering that too was a Brunel creation.

[@SusuWorld-dy3pq]

This was a wonderful look at the life of an utterly amazing man. Thank you for the visit.

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure, thanks for the kind words.

[@tondakremble6660]

I'm in America & had never heard of the Brunel's. What a wonderful story & well told. They were great genius inventors & pioneers who accomplished much in spite of adversity. I hope to travel to your country some day & see it for myself. Most interesting. Thank-you for sharing.😊

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you so much ☺️

[@1minigrem]

I thought I knew about him but your documentary makes his story worthy of a blockbuster, what an adventurer! Your documentaries really are a special treat. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Robslondon]

That’s incredibly kind of you to say! Than you so much 😊

[@wendalboy]

Really caps off a week seeing a robs london video pop up on a Sunday night

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated as ever Wendalboy, hope you’re keeping well mate. Cheers.

[@wendalboy]

@Robslondon all good thanks love ur stuff

[@vickywitton1008]

Wow! that was wonderful! As good as any BBC documentary!❤

[@Robslondon]

That's so kind of you to say, thank you Vicky

[@davidanderson688]

Good video what a great man ! I live in Maidenhead where his great brick built railway arch supporting the railway line over the Thames. The Sounding Arch we call it because of the great echo heard underneath.used to go fishing underneath as a boy now 60 !

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much David! I’d like to cover the Maidenhead Viaduct at some point 😉

[@stevestone1171]

Thank you for your excellent video. Informative and to a high professional standard. Both Mark and Isambard were genius engineers.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Steve- and well said.

[@douglasthompson296]

Hi Rob, I'm late to the table (again) and all his creations were achieved without CAD wizardry, just pencil and the back of a cigar wrapper. Men/woman/folks like him layed the foundations for the brave new worlds we have now. Cheers DougT upt North.

[@Robslondon]

Good comment Doug; cheers!

[@naomihepworth1642]

Really moving as well as informative. So glad that the great ship went on to do such critically important work.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Naomi

[@stevehazam9991]

YOU'RE DOCUMENTARIES ARE SO VERY INTERESTING AND ENLIGHTENING, KEEP IT UP . THANK YOU .

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that Steve, thank you.

[@davehustwayte689]

Hi Rob, Hope you are keeping well, A top top video, Great production and really informative, Well done and thank you

[@Robslondon]

Dave, thank you so much- really appreciate your kind words and financial support. Really good of you mate. I’m very well thanks, hope you are too?

[@annereidy7981]

You do a great job of bringing these events to life Rob. What fascinating minds these men had and look at what the achieved, despite the difficulties and danger. A great man indeed. Thank you Rob, much appreciated!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Anne ☺️

[@lisamay4844]

What a fantastic documentary of these great Britons. Congratulations and thanks, Rob!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Lisamay :-) Much appreciated and thank you for watching.

[@johncochrane2707]

Wonderfully informative video yet again, from one of the best channels on KZbin. Great stuff!!

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me John, thank you my friend.

[@quanchyplimp]

I'm 53 and haven't achieved anything, what an incredible man that Mr Brunel!

[@butchknapman3939]

Rob, greetings from the UK, not Thailand Thirty minutes of Shere bliss awesome video As a kid saw the Royal Albert Bridge at Plymouth I have been and viewed the three bridges. On a visit to the Brunel museum, I was lucky enough to get into the old shaft before the modern stair case was built in Yes, I have spent two days in Bristol looking at the SS Great Britian, the suspension bridge, and Temple Meads Station, and on that trip, I passed the Box tunnel, I also have taken pictures of his statue at Temple Place. I will admit I am a bit of a fan of Brunel As recently as today on a visit to the Nationl gallery Picture 1075 is a painting by William Turner of a steam train coming across the Maidenhead Bridge in 1844 in heavy rain. Great video

[@Robslondon]

Butch…. Thank you so much, a simply beautiful comment. Thanks mate; I really appreciate it. Hope life in Thailand is treating you well 😉

[@williamevans9426]

Another fascinating history. I am ashamed to say I was unaware of the early years, in particular. I would love to make another donation but, as a result of illness, my finances are currently in a difficult position; I do hope, however, to be able to contribute to your thoroughly researched and excellently presented projects in the not-too-distant future.

[@Robslondon]

Bless you William, best wishes to you; hope you are feeling well soon

[@sddsddean]

IKB has been my hero for nearly 60 years and is the reason I became a Civil Engineer, though nowadays, the term is not used in its original meaning. IKB was the last (and arguably greatest) Civil (as opposed to Military) Engineer ever. After him, everyone specialised. What a man!

[@Robslondon]

Wonderful comment, thank you.

[@roberttaylor6295]

Bravo! Bravo! Another gripping, well researched and utterly enjoyable video of the greatest engineer. It filled in much of Isambard's back story in your usual relaxing style. Brilliant and I will watch it several times. Thank you! Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Rob! Hope you’re well

[@Expressionisto1]

Beautiful storytelling, concise and accompanied by some images that I'd happily get lost in for hours. Thank you Rob, for weaving so much into a fascinating and beguiling film: bringing fresh insights into a much celebrated character -in these parts, at least. You inspire me to delve deeper into the life of an industrial colossus, I'd thought familiar.

[@Robslondon]

A beautiful comment, thank you so much- I really appreciate the kind words. Stay well :-)

[@raymonde4272]

The sheer amount of projects that both father and son achieved in their lifetimes was astonishing. Not only because of their talents and vision but the confidence of others to fund them.

[@Robslondon]

Well said.

[@TheThejpmshow]

As Brilliant as the Brunels were, we haven’t moved on much since! Im a recent discoverer of Robslondon, what fascinating, gentle informative documentaries not overdone with showy graphics or pizazz

[@Robslondon]

That means so much to me, thank you. It’s a pleasure to have you here 😊

[@ChrisSmith-ls7mb]

Hello Robert What an excellent video. It just blows my mind how much he did. We have seen his bridge in Bristol and been to the museum and we are going to visit his grave on next trip to London in June. Thanks for this excellent video. Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks guys! There are quite a few famous people in Kensal Green. The computer pioneer Charles Babbage is one of them…

[@Apollo_Mint]

I always enjoy the detail in Rob's videos, but this one hit a special note as Kingdom Brunel was truly a remarkable man who left a legacy that we often may use completely unaware he was the creator, such as a simple bridge spanning across the canal into Regent's Park. Gosh, that was a long sentence! Even his death left me astounded; that such a noble family had a humble and modest gravestone in comparison to some of the gargantuan mausoleums around that cemetary.

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful comment. Thank you.

[@jennywallis65]

What a genius he was. Fascinating video, thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ☺️

[@walthaas9217]

Thank you so much for this! Isambard Kingdom Brunel has been one of my greatest heros for years.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you!

[@robbojax2025]

As usual an excellent historical video. You have a wonderful presentation style.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you as always Robbojax; really appreciate your support 😊

[@brettmuir5679]

New subscriber here. I love how we denizens of KZbin stumble upon golden nuggets. I am eager to devour this channel's content. I remember when TV was a spoon fed affair. Thankfully it is now a buffet. Cheers all ;) Edit: Isambard is a name that needs a comeback

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful comment Brett, thank you so much- made my evening! Good to have you here 😉

[@XBOXTimeDevil]

I'll be visiting 3 bridges to see this wonder of engineering. To think h hdid so much in. 53 years is humbling. Great video@

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, and thank you

[@johnryan2193]

Mr,brunel like a lot of genius men was not appreciated by some of the people who hate to see others do well. He had the spark .

[@Robslondon]

Well said.

[@williamgorden6390]

Brilliant film of this incredible man! Occasionally the Universe places remarkable people exactly where, in time and location, they are needed. There is a masterplan, whether we believe it or not. Thank you for this video!

[@Robslondon]

Such a beautiful comment William. Many thanks my friend, and yes- very much agreed about how certain things can click I to place! Thanks again and stay well.

[@markdoherty9205]

Watched a couple of these this morning over a coffee. Brilliant!!!

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Mark, cheers!

[@smgreenartsprivate]

Thank you for your sensitive tribute to Brunel :) well done Rob :) reminds us of a great man whom did so much advanced work in a time when the world's progression to industrial was just starting.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ☺️

[@paulmerryman]

You have to love IKB for all that he has provided for us. Great video as always Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Paul- and well said 😉

[@robertbuchanan9234]

Brilliant. Entertaining and damn educational. What more can you ask for. Oh, and this Rob bloke has a voice which is easy on the ear.

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Robert, thank you. Stay well.

[@paulbagley1020]

Once again, Rob, you've managed to bring the past back to life. I can't say I have a favorite Brunel design, but I feel everyone should be impressed with the fact that many of his creations are still in service over a century and half after they were built. I'd say the original investors got more than their money's worth! As always, your research is fantastic and the presentation was superb. Thanks for sharing your isight.

[@Robslondon]

That means so much to me Paul, thank you my friend. Well said, and I hope you’re keeping well.

[@peterwhitaker4038]

the huge ship mentioned at 23:05..The Great Eastern was scrapped at New Ferry on the River Mersey 1888, the main flagpole was given to the Everton Football Club in Liverpool. it is still there today although the ground at anfield was to become liverpool F.C. as Everton moved grounds. you can see the flagpole at the back of the ground kop end from the street without going into the ground.

[@Robslondon]

Peter, this is a brilliant bit of info! Thank you. I’ve seen a photo of the Great Eastern on the Mersey- looks like it was used as an advertising hoarding before being scrapped? I love Liverpool; one of my favourite cities and I’ve long been planning to do a video form there at some point. May have to include this 😉 Cheers and stay well.

[@dj_efk]

Congratulations on a superb piece of production all-round. This was television-worthy.

[@Robslondon]

That’s so kind of you to say. Thank you! And thanks for watching, much appreciated.

[@carolinesexplosion]

OMG Rob you’ve don’t it again! What a fascinating story. Loved learning about his parents and had no idea he created GWR! Thank you so, so much!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Caroline 😊

[@sharonleong7120]

Great sharing. Keep up the good work. Thank you Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Sharon!

[@djtraxxehv1058]

I knew already about Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but not so well about many of the places in London linked to him. Thank you for showing it.

[@Robslondon]

It’s an absolute pleasure; thank you for watching

[@sarala9794]

I love, love, love this channel! it's filmed beautifully, very interesting, and so pleasant to listen to.

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Sarala, thank you! Good to have you here.

[@callumfroud5654]

I used to trim the grass around Isambard's grave when I worked at Kensal Green Cemetery, it was my first job.

[@Robslondon]

And a very important one 😉

[@123PJorgensen]

Rob this is just splendid. Touching, inspiring, and like everything you do, cobtextualizing. You just make me want to return to London over and over.

[@Robslondon]

Your kind words mean a lot to me, thank you so much. Hope you make it back here soon! 😄

[@nsholk]

Thanks! Brilliant storytelling! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words and financial support; very kind indeed. Thanks again and have a great weekend.

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. Very interesting indeed. The guy was a genius. But sadly died young. Amazing research as always… and a long film that must have taken ages.. We appreciate all your hard work. Thanks my friend.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Doug. I couldn’t do it without the support of people like yourself. Stay well mate.

[@dougknight1720]

@@Robslondon You too Rob…honestly they just get better and better…

[@jakeandrews-iz4wf]

Excellent. Your documentaries are some of the very, very best on KZbin. Thank you for all your hard work. P.S. The beer was a lovely accompaniment.

[@Robslondon]

Jake, I can’t express how much that means to me; thank you mate. And cheers 😉🍺

[@brettmuir5679]

Thought upon watching. The adage, A chain is only as strong as its weakest link was beautifully corrected with many strands of wire that become cable. Ingenuity was awakening in this age. The industrious men who pulled off these engineering feats are lauded in the top teir of accomplishment. I am loving now learning about Isambard and his course into the history books. I think he needs better than a chapter... and I do wonder how he and Roebling (who built the Brooklyn Bridge) may have interacted in those times of masterful engineering projects. I say, Happy Chance I stumbled upon this channel

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Brett and it’s good to have you here. Thank you.

[@ACELog]

Thanks for such an interesting article, well researched! As someone living very near Crystal Palace Park, and who often cycles through it, and also often travels through his Thames tunnel when I use the Overground, to when I marvel at Paddington station as I come up the escalator from the underground, then travel on his Great Western Railway, I count myself as exceedingly priviledged!

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you so much! And a perfect demonstration of Brunel in use today!

[@ChristineAubert-Watson]

A superb documentary. Thank you so much for creating it and allowing me to enjoy it

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Christine! Thank you so much for the kind words; much appreciated.

[@tracyfryer8153]

Brilliant information as always rob thank you sad end for a brilliant man ❤️❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Tracy. Yes, his end was tragic, but his legacy will stand forever. Stay well.

[@janhallnichols6711]

Yet another great video...always so informative and interesting. I look forward to each new one. Keep up the good work Rob. Know you are appreciated. Thanks.

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me; thank you so much ☺️

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Wow Rob What a bloody good tale… thank you as always!

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure, Robin! Thanks for the kind words :-)

[@ellydavis2066]

Great video, I learned some things I didn't know about the great man. Watched this with my lunch.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much elly

[@Project.Womble.London]

Another fantastic documentary, so well researched and beautifully presented. Loved the fade to black at the end with the Brunel Statue. Perfect ending 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Womble :-) Hope you're keeping well.

[@Project.Womble.London]

@@Robslondon thanks Rob, I've DM'd you on IG but I'm not sure if you are on IG very often, it's probably in your message requests.

[@Robslondon]

@@Project.Womble.London On instagram? I can't see it, sorry... (I haven't been on there for months until now!) You can email me if you like- [e-mail] (I check that all the time!)

[@francisnewmarch6837]

Dear Rob. I read the trailer, pressed the "Wake me up when broadcast" button and as always my historical grey cells started working. You research and presentation are amazing. Bravo and the very best wishes.

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Francis, thank you so much ☺️ Glad you enjoyed it

[@glennnicholls8510]

Thank you Rob. This was really good. I spent an entire day on the SS Great Britain in Bristol recently. I will soon make a tour of the sites you mention in git video. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Glenn

[@newgabe09]

Extraordinary story that his parents had as well!!

[@Robslondon]

They did indeed!

[@j.chikara]

Thanks for this video. There is alot of sentiment that i have for Brunel's achievements, predominantly based on geographic connections and personal interests, and i have undoubtedly learned more as you have practically done alot of outstanding research i keep forgetting to do. Keep up the great videos. Long live the Great Western architecture 🤓

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you so much 😄

[@gregpheysey6933]

Thankyou sights to look for whilst travelling London

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ☺️

[@artfulbodger..2143]

Isambard is one if the guests i would love to have at my fantasy dinner party's .. Along with Joseph bazelgette, Fred Dibnah..What an excellent evening that would be..

[@Robslondon]

Wow! What a selection, can I come too? 😉

[@nathanreeves9408]

Great video! I'm a big Brunel fan, but I learnt some new stuff! Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks so much Nathan! Much appreciated

[@robbicu]

Thanks Rob! If I ever get to London, I think I'd like to take a tour of all the Brunel locations to see for myself. Thanks for another great video.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks robbicu! Hope you make it here soon.

[@nickgiles7568]

A wonderful insight into the life of a great man. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Nick; appreciate the kind words.

[@binarydinosaurs]

That was splendid mate, very well done indeed. It makes me sad that I'm older than IKB was when he died.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much… yes, he died too soon 😞

[@michaelj3282]

Sundays aren't the same without you Rob, thank you (from Dubai).

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Michael 😉

[@itsjohndell]

I haven't even watched this yet. I KNEW you would take this on. Brunel (and his hat) was such a majestic part of British history you had to do it. Knowing your meticulous research I have poured myself a large whiskey and will savor both together. I know I won't be disapponted. Cheers!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha, cheers John! I’ve been wanting to do this video for many months now, was a real pleasure to make. Stay well 😉

[@who-gives-a-toss_Bear]

Brunel's Maidenhead Railway Bridge has to be one of the best.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, I thought about including it here, but it’s just outside of London… it may appear on the channel one day though 😉

[@WagnerGimenes]

Touching tribute, Rob. Excellent work with great visuals. Enjoy the coffee!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it 😉

[@terrymoore9388]

Thanks Rob. Another great video and a tribute to our greatest engineer.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Terry

[@sygrovesteve5819]

A truly great thinker who did so much, often made more difficult by the selfish and short sighted . I notice his use and liking of ancient Egyptian forms. I like them too Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Steve, and well said.

[@RobHall1984]

As a lover of history and engineering, Brunel has long been quite a hero of mine, great video Rob, I've also just watched the Russell Square one and had no idea of the Titanic links to the Russell Hotel which i stayed at a few years ago, wish I'd knew then 🙄

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Cheers Rob ;-)

[@skilloskillington1628]

Another wonderfully researched and fascinating film Rob. Keep up the great work!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! And I will do, cheers 😉

[@claires1347]

I'm so happy I've found your channel! Fascinating subjects and extremely interesting and well made videos. Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Claire, it’s good to have you here!

[@MrJohn768]

Professional production! Well done !! I enjoyed this enormously...thank you 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you John! Much appreciated! Hope you’re keeping well 😉

[@MrJohn768]

@Robslondon Have you covered Joseph Bazalgette"s Crossness Engines ? I was astounded that a sewage works could be so beautiful 😍 I can't believe that you continue to find so many interesting things to film in London...you are so talented...thank you for sharing them with us.

[@clivefelgate9802]

One of my hero’s from schooldays ( which was a very long time ago) what a joy to watch . Thanks and keep well. C.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Clive 😊

[@joycemichelin250]

I wondered just how you could pull all the disparate parts together in the time frame. Engineered excellently Brunel himself would’ve approved! I so enjoyed this.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Joyce.