Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Brunel Statue on Paddington Railway Station, London, England

Brunel Statue showing seated Brunel - as if waiting patiently for a train.

Statue of Brunel on Paddington station, London, England, UK. Photo by Angela Lansbury. copyright.

This statue of a relaxed Brunel honours the man who built the railway from London to Wales, the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol across the valley in Wales, and even the boat SS Great Britain taking passengers on to Ireland or, in those days, to the USA. His ship was the biggest in the world at that time. You can still catch the train from his station, along his line, see his bridge, and catch a ferry to Ireland.

Young engineer Brunel was working with his father when his father died. Young Brunel took over and completed the projects.

In the north of London is Brunel University, named after Brunel, which has an engineering department.

Hear Brunel Here. Photo by Angela Lansbury, copyright.

Great Western Railway goes from Paddington to Fishguard and Goodwick in Wales and other destinations in England such as Reading.
Reading is also marked on the London tube train (underground) map.

Another statue of Brunel, standing, is at Temple station, 


The family monument is in Kensal Green Cemetery.


I recall that it is said that when somebody in St Paul's Cathedral, London, asked for the monument to architect Sir Christopher Wren, the reply was: "If you want to see his monument, look around!"

I feel the same about Paddington Station. The overhead arches seem to have a Burgundy red glow. New shops and restaurants have been added on an upper terrace out of the way of passers by. The icing on the cake is the serene statue of Brunel. The man who made it all happen. He had the idea. He organized and supervised. He built for the present and for the future.  

Useful Websites
Brunel

Bakerloo Line
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakerloo_line
https://tfl.gov.uk/tube/route/bakerloo/

Great Western Railway GWR

Visit London
https://www.visitlondon.com/london-app
Travel to the UK
singaporeair.com

About The Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author, speaker, teacher of English and other languages.
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