science · 30 November 1936 · 88 years ago
In 1936, London's famed Crystal Palace, constructed for the International Exhibition of 1851, was destroyed in the most spectacular fire seen in Britain for many years. It started about 8 pm and spread with such amazing rapidity that within half an hour the great building was ablaze from end to end. Flames rose 300-ft despite the efforts of 90 engines and 500 firemen. Only the two towers escaped destruction. When built, constructed mainly of glass and iron, it was nicknamed "The Crystal Palace" by Punch magazine. Within the Crystal Palace was a large concert hall which could accommodate audiences of at least 4000 people, and had its own resident orchestra, The Crystal Palace Orchestral Society. Regular concerts were held there, until the palace was destroyed by fire.
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