Crystal Palace

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The Crystal Palace was a huge glass and iron structure originally
built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition held in London's Hyde
Park.

Prince Albert, head of the Society of Arts, had the idea of an exhibition to impress the world with
Britain's industrial achievements.

Countries including France, the United States, Russia, Turkey and Egypt all attended with exhibits
falling into four main categories - Raw Materials, Machinery, Manufacturers and Fine Arts.

The Palace was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and after the Great Exhibition finished in October
1851 he had the idea of moving it to Penge Place Estate, Sydenham as a 'Winter Park and Garden
under Glass'.

The palace and the grounds became the world's first theme park offering education,
entertainment, a rollercoaster, cricket matches, and even 20 F.A. Cup Finals between 1895 -1914.

The site attracted 2 million visitors a year and was also home to displays, festivals, music shows
and over one hundred thousand soldiers during the First World War.

'disaster'

However, it was the night of 30th November 1936 that saw the most devastation. Henry Buckland
and his daughter Crystal, named after his love of Crystal Palace, were out walking their dog and
noticed a small fire at the Palace.

This soon escalated and a huge fire broke out across the building. By morning most of the Palace
was destroyed. There had been 88 fire engines, 438 officers, men from 4 fire brigades and 749
police officers on duty that historic night.

Some of the original remains that can still be seen today are classed as Grade II* listed. They
include terraces, sphinxes and the huge bust of Sir Joseph Paxton.
Other fascinating features include sets of stairs, remains of the aquarium and the base of
Isambard Kingdom Brunel's south water tower.