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2006 is the 200th anniversary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel Born 9th April 1806 In celebration of the life and times of this fascinating man who gave so much to the nation, Portishead, Portbury and Pill will be arranging for social events and attractions throughout the year to be arranged around his life and times. His inventive steam driven ships were not only exceptional in the enormity of their designs, but in their innovative use of new technologies, and in their record-breaking achievements. Each of the three ships built by Brunel was the largest in the world at the time of its construction. The SS Great Western and SS Great Britain were both built in Bristol and made their maiden voyages along the Avon and Severn Estuaries. 
His master plan of connecting London and New York by way of the Great Western Railway and transatlantic steamers left a lasting legacy, not only on the world and our nation, but also on our local area. His Great Western Railway Line remains the main railway connection between London and Bristol.
The railway was eventually extended to Pill and Portishead. Its terminus at the Portishead Steamer Pier was designed to connect passenger trains with transatlantic steamers, and save steamship traffic from having to navigate the treacherous Avon Gorge and inconvenient lock gates at Bristol. The Royal Inn built next to the terminus was designed to accommodate passengers embarking and disembarking at the pier and to promote local tourism. It remains today as a popular local restaurant.The Clifton Suspension Bridge that he designed proved the concept of long span suspension bridges. His concepts were latter applied to such structures as the Golden Gate Bridge in California and the latest Severn Crossing. His designs remain our legacy and his Clifton Suspension Bridge remains an import local transportation link. Although it was originally designed for horse and cart traffic, it now handles over 4 million modern vehicle crossings a year. His landmarks remain for our use and enjoyment, and some still remain as the bedrock of our transportation system. In 2006, we celebrate the enormous achievements of this man and the bountiful legacy that he has left for us. It was only by the unique combination of his inventive genius, his flare and daring, and the sheer force of his unrelenting determination that so much was achieved. Our social calendar will reflect the admiration and gratitude we hold for him. www.Porti.info will become dedicated to promoting Brunel 200 celebrations for 2006 and will publish informative articles about his life and achievements, which will remain for future reference. Hopefully events we establish this year will remain as an annual legacy. |
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