2006 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth (09/04/1806) of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and events are being held to celebrate this Victorian genius.
On 07/03/1833 Brunel was appointed Chief Engineer for the Great Western Railway and his connection with the South Devon began. He was subsequently appointed as the engineer for
South Devon Railway - the railway reached Newton Abbot in 1846 and Plymouth in 1849.
In 1847, Brunel purchased an estate at Watcombe in Torbay, with a view to build a home for his retirement.
Brunel designed and landscaped the estate (with the help of the designers from Kew Gardens, Regents Park, and Alton Towers) and designed his house (during these times he stayed at Watcombe Lodge).
Brunel died (15/09/1859) before he was able to start the building of the house
(Brunel Manor was finally built by J R Crompton who then sold the estate in 1876 for £22,900).
Torquay Museum is staging an exhibition throughout the summer showing how Brunel's railway opened up the Bay as a resort. Interpretation panels will be
sited at Churston Railway Station, Goodrington Viaduct, and Bishop's Place (built for his staff - doctor, engineer, architect), and there will be trails from Brunel Manor.
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