Part 1.

Where we are with science and technology

In this part of the book we consider where we are with science and technology and to do this, we start by considering the wonderful engineering achievements of the ‘gentleman engineers’ of yesteryear. Of these Victorian characters, none were more inspirational than Isambard Kingdom Brunel – and particularly his engineering achievements in and around Bristol. One of the most famous of these is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. In the above oil painting by the author, of the river Avon at Bristol, the bridge and the Avon Gorge are shown in the background – very much as they would have appeared in Brunel’s day.