James Buchanan

 NAME James Buchanan

WHAT FAMOUS FOR James Buchanan is famous for being the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. He is often remembered for his inability to prevent the country from sliding into the Civil War.

BIRTH James Buchanan was born in a log cabin on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND James Buchanan was the son of James Buchanan Sr., a well-to-do merchant and farmer, and Elizabeth Speer Buchanan. His family was of Ulster Scots descent.

CHILDHOOD James Buchanan grew up in a large family with ten siblings. His early life was spent in the rural setting of Pennsylvania, where he helped with his father's business.

EDUCATION James Buchanan attended the Old Stone Academy before enrolling at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1809, despite being briefly expelled for misbehavior.

CAREER RECORD James Buchanan started his career as a lawyer before entering politics. Here's his resume:

Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1814-1816)

U.S. House of Representatives (1821-1831)

U.S. Minister to Russia (1832-1833)

U.S. Senate (1834-1845)

U.S. Secretary of State (1845-1849)

U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1853-1856)

President of the United States (1857-1861)

APPEARANCE James Buchanan was known for his tall, dignified appearance, with a high forehead, prominent nose and greying hair. He had a slightly stooped posture, often tilting his head to one side.. Buchanan  often appeared stern and serious.

James Buchanan (1859) by George Healy 

FASHION Buchanan adhered to the fashion norms of his time, typically wearing dark suits, white high-collared shirts and cravats.

CHARACTER Buchanan was seen as diligent, disciplined, highly intelligent and politically astute but also indecisive and overly cautious. He was often criticized for his inability to take strong stances on critical issues.

SENSE OF HUMOUR James Buchanan had a reputation for being rather serious and did not exhibit a notable sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS Buchanan never married. He was engaged to Anne Coleman, the daughter of the wealthy iron manufacturer but the engagement was broken off  in 1819, after a fight between the pair- she accused him of only being interested in her money. Anne Colman died later that year, on December 9, 1819, in what some have said was a suicide. 

Biographers like to say Buchanan was asexual, but some writers have a different theory.  They claim Buchanan was chummy with a fellow named William Rufus King – so chummy that even Andrew Jackson, a man known for his frontier decorum, felt the need to crack wise about their "special friendship." 

Buchanan remained a lifelong bachelor, the only president to be single throughout his tenure.

He maintained close ties with his family, particularly his niece, Harriet Lane. After his election, Lane came to live in the White House and took on the role of First Lady.

Buchanan was one heck of a host.  When the Prince of Wales waltzed in with his entourage in the fall of 1860, the White House was apparently so packed the president himself had to sleep in the hallway.  

MONEY AND FAME Buchanan came from a well-off family and as a successful lawyer and politician he accumulated a significant fortune. He enjoyed the prestige that came with high office.

His fame primarily rests on his role as President during the tumultuous pre-Civil War period.

Buchanan's nickname, "Ten-Cent Jimmy," wasn't exactly a badge of honor. He was given the moniker after he claimed that 10¢ a day was a fair wage for manual laborers.

FOOD AND DRINK Buchanan enjoyed fine dining and was known for hosting lavish parties with a variety of food and drink, including his favorite Madeira wine.

MUSIC AND ARTS Buchanan appreciated music and the arts, often attending cultural events and supporting the arts during his presidency.

LITERATURE James Buchanan was well-read, with a particular interest in history and political theory. He maintained a large personal library.

NATURE Buchanan enjoyed the outdoors and often spent time on his Wheatland estate in Pennsylvania, engaging in activities like horseback riding.

PETS Buchanan had several pets during his life, including both the largest and the smallest dogs to live in the White House. The pooches in question were a Newfoundland named Lara and a tiny toy terrier named Punch.

A friend who lived in San Francisco gave Buchanan a pair of golden eagles. The eagles were unsuited to life in the White House so Buchanan sent them to his home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

HOBBIES AND SPORTS His hobbies included horseback riding and playing chess. He was known to enjoy social gatherings and political discussions.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Buchanan had a basic understanding of science and mathematics but did not exhibit a strong inclination towards these fields.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Buchanan was a Presbyterian and held traditional Christian beliefs. As a politician, he was a staunch Democrat who believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, states' rights and national unity.

Buchanan claimed to be morally opposed to slavery, yet somehow believed the Constitution was best friends with the whole awful practice.  So, in a move that would leave any logician scratching their head, Buchanan continued to buy slaves, then promptly set them free.

POLITICS James Buchanan, a proud Democrat and owner of more hats than a Kentucky Derby milliner, wasn't exactly a political newcomer when he waltzed into the Oval Office. He'd already spent years bouncing between the House and Senate chambers, even serving as the nation's 17th secretary of state – a post that basically involved convincing everyone America wasn't plotting to steal all their shiny stuff.

Buchanan wasn't shy about his ambitions, either. He buzzed around like a particularly persistent gnat, vying for the Democratic nomination throughout the 40s and 50s. Finally, in 1856, they threw him a bone, and Buchanan found himself facing off against a gaggle of other contenders, including a Republican named John C. Frémont who, let's just say, wasn't exactly known for his diplomatic skills. Buchanan ended up winning, which probably surprised everyone most of all, especially Buchanan himself.

As President, Buchanan wasn't exactly a picture of decisive leadership. He bungled the Dred Scott case and then proceeded to appease the South by letting them shove the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution down Kansas' throat like a spoonful of castor oil. This, unsurprisingly, didn't go over well with the North, and pretty soon, the whole country was about as divided as a room full of toddlers arguing over the last cookie.

Buchanan tried to play peacemaker. He proposed the Corwin Amendment, which basically amounted to waving a giant white flag and hoping nobody noticed the cracks in the national foundation. He even attempted to reinforce a crucial fort in the South, but somehow managed to bungle that too. By the time the Civil War reared its ugly head, Buchanan had managed to anger everyone and achieve precisely zero in the way of preventing it.

The rest of his days were spent grumbling about his unfair portrayal in history books, while historians, ever the cheerful bunch, ranked him among the worst presidents ever. So, there you have it – the story of James Buchanan, a man who, if nothing else, proved that ambition isn't always the best qualification for the top job.

SCANDAL Buchanan's presidency was marred by several scandals, most notably his perceived favoritism towards Southern interests and his failure to address the secession crisis effectively.

MILITARY RECORD Although James Buchanan did not formally serve in the militia during the War of 1812, during the British occupation he joined a group of young men who stole horses for the United States Army in the Baltimore area.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Buchanan's health was generally robust, although he suffered from intermittent ailments. He remained active and engaged throughout his life.

Buchanan suffered from a condition called esotropia, which basically meant his eyes had a mind of their own and liked to gaze inwards like a pair of crossed wires. To top it all off, one eye was nearsighted while the other was farsighted – a recipe for perpetual squinting and general visual confusion.  No wonder the man looked uncomfortable in crowds!

In a desperate attempt to appear less like a startled owl, Buchanan developed a peculiar habit.  He'd hunch forward and tilt his head to one side, like a man trying to solve a particularly tricky crossword puzzle.  This, of course, backfired spectacularly.  His political rivals, particularly the ever-charming Henry Clay, had a field day with it.  

HOMES Buchanan's most significant residence was Wheatland, a Georgian-style mansion near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He inherited the estate from his father and lived there for most of his life. Wheatland served as a center for entertaining political figures and dignitaries during his career.

TRAVEL Buchanan traveled extensively for his political career, including international assignments as a diplomat in Russia and the United Kingdom.

DEATH Buchanan retired to Wheatland after his presidency. He died there on June 1, 1868, at the age of 77. The cause of death is attributed to complications from rheumatism and gout.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA James Buchanan hasn't garnered the same level of popular attention as other presidents. However, he has been portrayed in various films and television shows, including depictions in documentaries about the Civil War era and fictionalized historical dramas.

ACHIEVEMENTS Despite his controversial presidency, Buchanan's achievements include his extensive diplomatic service and his role in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. However, his legacy is largely overshadowed by his failure to prevent the Civil War.

Source Presidential Pet Museum

Kobe Bryant

NAME Kobe Bryant

WHAT FAMOUS FOR American professional basketball player. 

BIRTH Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia on August 23, 1978. He was named after Kobe Beef after his parents saw it on a menu at a restaurant.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the youngest of three children and only son of former NBA player and coach Joe "Jellybean" Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant.

His father, Joe Bryant, averaged 8.7 points per game in 606 career games in the NBA.

CHILDHOOD  Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy, where his father played professional basketball. He learned to speak Italian fluently and developed a love for soccer in addition to basketball. 

When Kobe was six years old, the family returned to the United States, settling in the Philadelphia area. Kobe showed an early interest and talent in basketball and was coached by his father from a young age.

EDUCATION In 1991, when Kobe was 13 years old, his family moved to Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia. There, Kobe attended Lower Merion High School, where he played basketball and quickly gained a reputation as one of the top high school players in the country. He led his high school team to a state championship in his senior year, and he was named the Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

Kobe's childhood was not without challenges, however. His parents filed for divorce in 2003, and his relationship with his father became strained for a time. In addition, Kobe faced racism and discrimination as a young basketball player, particularly when the family lived in Italy. 

CAREER RECORD 18 years, 2 months, and 11 days old - that's when Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba himself, made his grand debut in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the youngest player to grace the court on November 3, 1996. However, this record has since been broken by Jermaine O'Neal and Andrew Bynum.

Here's his resume: 

Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Played his entire 20-year career with the Lakers.

Won five NBA championships with the Lakers (2000-2002, 2009-2010).

Earned numerous accolades, including:

NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award (2008)

18-time NBA All-Star

15-time All-NBA Team member

12-time All-Defensive Team member

2-time NBA Finals MVP

Known for his fierce competitiveness, clutch shooting, and "Mamba Mentality" work ethic.

Retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final game.

APPEARANCE Kobe Bryant stood 6 feet 6 inches tall and had an athletic, muscular build. He was known for his intense focus and determined expression on the court.

Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014 By Keith Allison - Flickr:

FASHION Bryant had a sophisticated sense of fashion, often seen in tailored suits and designer clothing. He was known for his sleek, stylish look off the court.

CHARACTER Bryant was known for his relentless work ethic, competitive nature, and dedication to perfection. His "Mamba Mentality" emphasized the pursuit of excellence and overcoming obstacles.

Michael Jordan, the undisputed king of basketball swagger, once grudgingly admitted there was only one player who even came close to matching his work ethic: Kobe Bryant. This wasn't some late-night practice session after a few celebratory beers – no, Bryant was the kind of guy who'd greet the sunrise with a jump shot, routinely hitting the gym at 4:30 am before his official team practice even began. 

SENSE OF HUMOUR  Kobe had a sharp wit and a playful side, often engaging in friendly banter with teammates and opponents. His sense of humor was well-known among those close to him.

RELATIONSHIPS  Kobe Bryant tied the knot with his lady love Mexican-American Vanessa Bryant at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California on April 18, 2001. And let me tell you, their love story was one for the ages - they met on the set of a Snoop Dogg music video where Vanessa was putting in work as a model.

His wedding to Vanessa Laine was a surprisingly low-key affair, missing some rather key guests. Bryant's parents, both sisters, his longtime agent – even his Laker teammates were absent. Apparently, there wasn't enough room on the guest list for family drama. Kobe's parents, particularly, weren't thrilled about the whole thing. The age difference of four years, Vanessa's ethnicity – it all added up to a good old-fashioned family feud. This disagreement lasted a cool two years, only thawing with the arrival of Kobe and Vanessa's firstborn.

Kobe and Vanessa welcomed four beautiful daughters into the world - Natalia, Gianna (who tragically died in the same helicopter crash as her father in 2020), Bianka, and Capri. Bryant was deeply devoted to his family.

MONEY AND FAME Bryant amassed significant wealth through his NBA career, endorsements, and business ventures. He was one of the most recognizable athletes globally and a cultural icon.

FOOD AND DRINK Bryant enjoyed a healthy diet focused on maintaining peak athletic performance. He was known to enjoy Italian cuisine, a nod to his childhood in Italy.

MUSIC AND ARTS Bryant had a deep appreciation for music and the arts and dabbled in rap early in his career 

His movie Dear Basketball won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 2018 Academy Awards.

Bryant was the first person to win an Olympic Medal (he won Gold twice for playing in the US Men's basketball team in 2008 and 2012) and an Oscar.

Bryant wasn't content with the prosaic "Kobe." He needed something with a bit more bite, something to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents. Enter the "Black Mamba," a moniker inspired by the deadly assassin played by Uma Thurman in the Tarantino action films Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2. It was a fitting choice, conjuring images of a relentless predator stalking its prey on the court.

LITERATURE Bryant was an avid reader and author. He wrote several books, including The Mamba Mentality: How I Play and co-authored young adult novels through his Granity Studios.

NATURE He enjoyed spending time outdoors and often found solace in nature, particularly during his off-seasons and after retirement.

PETS Bryant had a dog named Crucio, showing his affection for pets and animals.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Kobe Bryant hit the hardwood like a precocious teenager with something to prove, which, at 18 years, 2 months, and a handful of days old, he most certainly did. Debuting on November 3, 1996, he became the NBA's youngest player ever to grace the court. This record, however, was as fleeting as a teenager's attention span. Jermaine O'Neal snatched it away a month later, a mere whippersnapper himself at 18 and 53 days.

But Bryant wasn't easily outdone. As a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, he carved out a career so long it defied the usual transience of youth. Two decades, in fact, all spent with the Lakers in a display of loyalty as impressive as his crossover moves.

Those two decades were glittering with championship gold. Three straight NBA titles from 2000 to 2002, followed by another two in 2009 and 2010. He was the league's Most Valuable Player in 2008, an honor that paled in comparison to the eleven All-NBA First Team selections he racked up between 2002 and 2013.

By his 20th season, Bryant had become a fixture in LA, etching his name in the record books for the most seasons played with a single team. Talk about loyalty! Though, his grandmother apparently wasn't as impressed. She graced him with her presence at exactly one game during his entire career, a January 22, 2006 matchup against the Toronto Raptors. That night, Bryant exploded for a career-high 81 points, the second-highest total in NBA history – a shadow cast only by Wilt Chamberlain's staggering 100-point game in 1962.

Finally, in 2016, after a farewell season that culminated in a 60-point performance against the Utah Jazz, Bryant hung up his sneakers. It was an ending as dramatic as any buzzer-beater, a fitting finale for a legend who defied expectations and redefined basketball brilliance.

Outside basketball, Kobe enjoyed soccer, which he played during his childhood in Italy. He was also interested in storytelling, filmmaking, and coaching youth sports.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Bryant had a strong analytical mind, which he applied to his basketball strategy and business ventures. His curiosity extended to various scientific and mathematical principles.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bryant's Mamba Mentality" philosophy revolved around hard work, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement. He drew inspiration from diverse sources, including ancient philosophies and modern thinkers.

He was raised Catholic, but his personal religious beliefs later in life are not publicly documented.

SCANDAL In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a hotel employee in Colorado. The case was settled out of court, and he issued a public apology while maintaining that the encounter was consensual.

MILITARY RECORD Bryant was a strong supporter of military personnel and frequently engaged in activities to honor and support veterans.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bryant was dedicated to maintaining peak physical fitness throughout his career. He faced several injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2013, but worked diligently on his recovery and fitness.

HOMES Bryant lived in several luxurious homes in Southern California, including a notable residence in Newport Beach.

TRAVEL Bryant traveled extensively for basketball and personal reasons. He had a particular fondness for Italy and frequently visited the country.

DEATH The world was shaken on January 26, 2020, when we lost the legendary Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter crash. The chopper went down in foggy conditions near Calabasas, a mere 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The heartbreaking incident also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, along with seven other individuals. It was a loss felt not only by the basketball world but by everyone who admired his incredible talent, dedication, and spirit

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bryant appeared in various media, including commercials, interviews, and films. His animated short film Dear Basketball won an Academy Award in 2018.

ACHIEVEMENTS Kobe Bryant's achievements include five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, 18 NBA All-Star selections, two Olympic gold medals (playing in the US Men's basketball team in 2008 and 2012)  and an Academy Award. Bryant was the first person to win an Olympic Medal and an Oscar. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

NAME Isambard Kingdom Brunel

WHAT FAMOUS FOR British civil and mechanical engineer who was a key figure of the Industrial Revolution.

BIRTH born April 9, 1806 in Britan Street, Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND  Isambard Kingdom Brunel  was the only son of the French engineer and inventor Sir Marc Isambard Brunel  (1769-1849). His father settled in Britain and married Sophia Kingdom, an English woman whom he had known in France in earlier days.

He was born in Portsmouth, where his father was working on block-making machinery.

CHILDHOOD Brunel's childhood was steeped in engineering and innovation. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics and mechanics, encouraged by his father. The family moved to London when Brunel was young, where he was exposed to his father's various engineering projects.

EDUCATION  Brunel was sent to France at the age of 14 to study mathematics and science at the at the College of Caen in Normandy and the Lycée Henri-Quatre in Paris. Two years later he returned to England to work with his father.

CAREER RECORD At the young age of 20, Brunel joined his father's ambitious project - the Thames Tunnel under the River Thames at Rotherhithe. He became the resident engineer, overseeing the construction for over two years. Disaster struck when a sudden flood nearly claimed Brunel's life and halted progress. Though work resumed in 1835, it wasn't completed until 1843.

This groundbreaking tunnel, the world's first underwater walkway connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was an instant success. Within a year, it had attracted over a million visitors. Brunel's innovative spirit even led him to host a lavish dinner party for businessmen in the unfinished tunnel in 1827, complete with formal attire - a testament to his audacious personality.

Brunel entered a competition in 1829 to design a bridge across Bristol's Avon Gorge. His elegant design, featuring a suspension bridge with a record-breaking main span of 192 meters (630 feet), triumphed. Construction on the bridge piers began, but financial constraints delayed completion until 1864, sadly after Brunel's passing.

Brunel was a tireless worker, known for his demanding 18-hour days, often sleeping at his office and waking by 4 am. While a dedicated leader, he could be harsh towards those he deemed incompetent, resorting to scathing letters to express his displeasure. Though his management style might raise eyebrows today, there's no doubt that Brunel's drive and ingenuity were instrumental in his engineering achievements.

APPEARANCE Isambard Kingdom Brunel was on the shorter side, standing at just 5 feet tall (1.52 meters).  Interestingly, he was known to be self-conscious about his height and would often try to appear taller. Some accounts mention his fondness for very tall top hats, which might have added an extra 8 inches or so to his stature! 

Brunel was known for his distinctive appearance, often depicted wearing a top hat and a waistcoat, with a cigar in hand. He had a determined and intense expression.

FASHION Brunel's fashion was typical of a Victorian gentleman, favoring practical yet stylish attire suitable for both the office and the field. His top hat and cravat became iconic elements of his image.

CHARACTER Brunel was known for his relentless ambition, innovative spirit, and determination. He was a visionary who was not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of engineering.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Brunel had a dry and witty sense of humor, which he often used to diffuse tense situations and motivate his team.

RELATIONSHIPS Brunel married Mary Horsley on July 5, 1836. She came from an accomplished musical and artistic family, being the eldest daughter of composer and organist William Horsley.

His marriage was supportive, and Mary played a significant role in his personal life.

They had three children: Isambard Brunel Junior, Henry Marc Brunel and Florence Mary Brunel. Henry Marc later became a successful civil engineer.

MONEY AND FAME Brunel achieved considerable fame and fortune through his engineering projects. Despite facing financial difficulties at times, his reputation as a brilliant engineer remained intact.

FOOD AND DRINK Brunel enjoyed hearty, traditional English meals. He was known to appreciate good food and drink, often sharing meals with colleagues and friends.

MUSIC AND ARTS Brunel had an appreciation for the arts, influenced by his mother, who was an amateur artist. He enjoyed music and often attended concerts and operas.

LITERATURE Brunel was well-read and enjoyed literature, particularly works related to science, engineering, and history. He also maintained detailed diaries and notebooks of his projects.

NATURE Brunel had a fascination with nature, often drawing inspiration from the natural world for his engineering designs. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, observing landscapes and natural formations.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS Brunel enjoyed outdoor activities, including fishing and sailing. He also had a keen interest in mechanics and often spent his leisure time working on personal engineering projects.

Brunel was known for his playful side, often entertaining his children with magic tricks. One of his favorites involved a half-sovereign coin that seemingly vanished from his mouth and reappeared behind his ear. Unfortunately, in 1843, the trick took a dangerous turn. While performing, Brunel accidentally swallowed the coin, and it became lodged in his windpipe!

Doctors attempted to remove the coin with specialized forceps, but it wouldn't budge. Brunel, ever the resourceful engineer, even designed a machine to shake it loose, without success. Weeks passed, filled with coughing fits and worry. Finally, Brunel devised a daring solution: a hinged table where he would be strapped face down and then rapidly tilted upside down. The suspense gripped the public, with daily press reports detailing the coin's fate. Eventually, the strategy worked – the coin dislodged with a jerk! The news was so momentous that historian Thomas Babington Macaulay, upon hearing it, ran down the street shouting, "It's out! It's out!" leaving everyone baffled about his excitement.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Brunel excelled in science and mathematics from a young age, using these skills extensively in his engineering career. His innovative use of materials and construction techniques reflected his deep understanding of scientific principles.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brunel's philosophy was centered on progress and innovation. He believed in the power of human ingenuity to overcome challenges and improve society. His engineering projects often reflected this optimistic outlook.

SCANDAL Brunel's career was not without controversy. The financial difficulties and delays associated with some of his projects, such as the Great Eastern, attracted criticism. However, his engineering brilliance overshadowed these issues.

In the long slog to hack and blast the celebrated Box Tunnel through two miles of solid rock between Bath and Swindon, 100 men were killed.

MILITARY RECORD Brunel worked on the improvement of large guns and designed a floating armoured barge used for the attack on Kronshtadt in 1854 during the Crimean War.

RAILWAYS Brunel left his mark on the railway map. He spearheaded the construction of over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of lines across Britain, spanning the West Country, Midlands, South Wales, and even reaching Ireland. His influence extended beyond British shores too, with two railway lines built in Italy and his expertise sought for projects in far-flung locations like Australia's Victorian lines and India's Eastern Bengal Railway.

However, Brunel wasn't infallible. His ambitious atmospheric railway, using a vacuum tube to propel trains near Exeter, proved a notable misstep. After a period of troubled trials, it was ultimately shut down.

BRIDGES Brunel designed and built several notable bridges during his career. Some of his most famous bridges include:

Clifton Suspension Bridge: Spanning the Avon Gorge in Bristol, this iconic structure was designed by Brunel in 1829 but completed posthumously on December 8, 1864.

Maidenhead Railway Bridge: Built in 1830 to carry the Great Western Railway across the River Thames, this brick arch bridge was known for having the flattest arch in the world at the time.

Royal Albert Bridge: Designed in 1855, this bridge connects Devon and Cornwall across the River Tamar, featuring an innovative tubular design with two main spans.

Chepstow Railway Bridge: Constructed in 1852 over the River Wye, this unique bridge combines suspension and tubular principles.

STEAMSHIPS Brunel's visionary steamships, the Great Western, Great Britain, and Great Eastern, each held the title of "world's largest" upon launch, forever changing transatlantic travel.

The Great Western, christened in 1838, was a wooden marvel. Critics scoffed at the idea of a steamship carrying enough coal for the journey, but Brunel proved them wrong. This paddle steamer halved the travel time to New York, pioneering regular service across the Atlantic. Interestingly, Brunel even issued instructions for the maiden voyage from his sickbed after a tumble from a ladder!

The Great Western's maiden departure from Bristol in 1838.

Next came the iron-hulled SS Great Britain in 1843. It was a game-changer, the first ocean-going vessel to utilize both an iron hull and a screw propeller for propulsion. Launched as the largest ship afloat on July 19, 1843, it retained its title as the longest passenger ship for over a decade. The Great Britain wasn't just innovative, it was fast – conquering the Atlantic in just 14 days during its first crossing in  1845.

Launch of Great Britain at Bristol, July 1843.

Finally, Brunel pushed the boundaries even further with the Great Eastern (originally named Leviathan) launched in 1858. This behemoth boasted a double iron hull and a unique combination of paddle and screw propulsion.

Brunel's trio of steamships weren't just engineering feats, they were testaments to his vision and daring. They revolutionized ocean travel, paving the way for a more connected world.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brunel faced several health challenges throughout his life, including a near-fatal accident during the construction of the Thames Tunnel and a serious bout of pneumonia. His relentless work ethic also took a toll on his health.

HOMES Brunel lived in various residences throughout his life, including a house in Duke Street, Westminster, and later a country house in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

TRAVEL Brunel traveled extensively for his work, both within the United Kingdom and abroad. His travels included trips to the United States and Europe to study engineering practices and promote his projects.

DEATH The huge and costly effort of launching the Great Eastern sideways into the Thames in January 1858, and the preparation for its first sea trials the following September, caused Brunel to suffer a stroke. His habit of smoking over 40 cigars a day probably contributed to his stroke.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel by the launching chains of the SS Great Eastern

Brunel died ten days later on September 15, 1859 and is buried, like his father, at Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Brunel has been featured in numerous documentaries, books, and films about engineering and the Industrial Revolution. His life and work have been celebrated in various media, including the 2002 BBC series Seven Wonders of the Industrial World.

ACHIEVEMENTS  Brunel's achievements are numerous and include the design and construction of the Great Western Railway, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and revolutionary ships like the SS Great Britain. His innovative engineering techniques and visionary projects have left a lasting legacy, earning him recognition as one of the greatest engineers in history.

Brunel came second to Sir Winston Churchill in the BBC’s 1999 poll to find the Greatest ever Briton.