Opponents of the exhibition had fought bitterly against the cutting down of elm trees on the proposed site, and in particular three large elms opposite the Prince of Wales Gate. The result was the barrel-vaulted transept which was to be the building's most graceful and distinguishing feature.
They took possession of the site in July and immediately erected hoardings using the timbers that would eventually become the building's floorboards. Next came the setting out of the building, stakes being driven into the ground to mark the approximate positions of the cast iron columns. The positions were then determined accurately using a theodolite, and base plates for the columns were set into concrete foundations.
The columns were elevated into position using shear-legs, a simple apparatus consisting of two poles lashed together at the top, and maintained in a vertical position by guy ropes extending from the apex of the triangle formed by the poles to stakes driven into the ground some distance away. Pulleys were suspended from the apex, and ropes passing over the pulleys were used to raise the columns, girders and other parts. A connecting-piece was attached to the top of each column prior to its erection.
As soon as two adjacent columns had been erected a girder was hoisted into position between the columns and bolted to the connecting-pieces. The columns were erected in opposite pairs, then two more girders were connected so as to form a square or bay. The shear-legs would then be moved and an adjoining bay constructed. When a reasonable number of bays had been completed, the columns for the first floor second tier were erected.
Longer shear-legs were used, but the operation was essentially the same as for the ground floor. But one of the best aspects of the Exhibition was that it was open to all classes.
Entrance fees varied according to the day of visit so, for those on lower incomes, Monday to Thursday was the time to attend, as tickets were just 1s. Thousands took advantage.
The price also fluctuated as the Exhibition progressed. For many it would have been their first trip to London, perhaps even their first trip from home and, for them, the Exhibition must have been simply overwhelming. Schoolchildren, factory workers, countrymen and women, dressed in their best smocks, all gazed in awe at what must have appeared an alien world.
One old lady even walked to London from Penzance, although most took advantage of the rail network. And his wife clearly agreed. It looks like a sort of fairyland. Sign in. Back to Main menu Virtual events Masterclasses. The first prefabricated building of its kind, the enormous glasshouse incorporated , sheets of glass. Christine Just returned from Caravan Park there and found the remains fascinating and such splendid views.
Laura Tuddenham At my school we have a revision sheet about the Victorians. Can you help me???? Roy Mallinder My grandfather was driving a train which had to stop because of the fire. We had a piece of molten glass in the sideboard which he had recovered on the night. Suzanne Nagle I wonder if your readers are aware of a plan to rebuild the Crystal Palace. It is a firm proposal with anchor tenants, contractors and private funding in place.
It would also provide ongoing funding through a charitable trust for the park. You can learn more about it at www. Christa I never knew there was so much history about that site. Interesting to read more about this wonderful contruction. Alsy Very good explanations and detail. Shame about what happened to it. This is a fab site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today's schedule. Help with BBC iPlayer. Home Explore the BBC.
This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving. BBC Local. Penge Palace, Sydenham. Cricketer WG Grace at the Palace in After the fire in We are currently in Beta version and updating this search on a regular basis. The building was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, an architect and gardener, and revealed breakthroughs in architecture, construction and design.
More on the Crystal Palace after the break Within 3 weeks the committee received entires, all of which were rejected. It was only after this that Paxton showed his first interest in the project. Already a famous gardener at the time, Paxton experimented extensively with glasshouse construction. Paxton proceeded to visit Hyde Park, where he quickly doodled his famous concept drawing of the Palace the sketch is now held in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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