The Crystal Palace

A huge iron and glass building, The Crystal Palace was a building in 19th Century Britain. A rebuilt and expanded version of the building that originally housed the Great Exhibition of 1851, it stood in Upper Norwood from 1854 until 1936, and attracted many thousands of visitors from all levels of society. The name "Crystal Palace" was coined by the satirical magazine Punch who also commented on other historical features like the cholera epidemic, and the filthy streets of London.

Destruction by fire

But on 30 November, 1936 came the final catastrophe. Within hours, fire consumed all that had stood for a mighty empire and boundless imagination. The Palace was destroyed, the fire was seen for miles and thousands of people saw the night sky light up due to the flames. Just as in 1866 when a fire burnt down the north transept, the building was not adequately insured to cover the cost of rebuilding. Some said that it should never be rebuilt, as it was a symbol of a past age of outdated values.

Related Topics:
30 November - 1936 - Fire - Empire - Imagination - 1866 - Transept - Insured

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Winston Churchill on his way home from the House of Commons said: "This is the end of an age".

Related Topics:
Winston Churchill - House of Commons

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The South Tower had been used for tests by television pioneer John Logie Baird for his mechanical television experiments. Unfortunately for him, a lot of his work was destroyed in the fire.

Related Topics:
Television - John Logie Baird

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