Brunel – The Untold Story

A talk by Peter Maggs

Part of Building the Wireless Age, a unique Marconi exhibition

At the original Marconi Wireless and Telegraphy works in Hall Street Chelmsford,
the world's first wireless factory which Marconi established in 1898.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was the engineering superstar of the 19th century. The story of his railways, bridges and ships has been told many times. This talk will describe some lesser-known aspects of Brunel's life and work, including the revolutionary Atmospheric Railway and the use of his steamship, the Great Eastern, to lay the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable in 1865. There remains a persistent rumour that he aligned the Box Tunnel such that the rising sun shines through it on his birthday. Some new and original research on this fascinating story, with some rather surprising results, will be presented.

Peter Maggs is a retired engineer turned writer with a particular interest in social history. Besides being an experienced speaker on a wide range of topics he is the author of several books. Learn more about Peter at www.mirlibooks.com.

Please book through Eventbrite: www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.eventbrite.com

Tickets are £5. All proceeds from talks and merchandise will be used to cover exhibition project costs. This is a volunteer-led initiative.

Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society is proud to support Marconi Science WorX: Chelmsford Civic Society in collaboration with BBC Essex.

When
29 April 2016 from 19:30 to 21:30
Location
19 Hall Street (Former Marconi Works)
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0HG
United Kingdom
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