2-888-559 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Great Exhibition of 1851 - General View of the Works - (Looking East), 1850. 'In the view of the Building Works looking East - which was taken from an elevated position on the south side of the building - are seen the different stages of construction; thus, the three tiers of columns and trussed girders of the great aisle and transept are prominently shewn. In the foreground are lying the four largest trussed girders, for connecting the angles of the great aisle and transept, and carrying the roof of the transept: each of these girders is 72 feet long. The ribs of the roof of the transept… are also seen; and also a truck, drawn by two horses, by which the girders are conveyed to their destination. On the right of the picture are seen the carpenters busily engaged in laying the floors'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.