1814 - educated at the Revd Weeden Butler's school in Chelsea.

1820 - attended schools in France and spent some time in the workshop of Louis Bréguet, clockmaker.

1828 - almost lost his life while working with his father on the Rotherhithe - Wapping tunnel.

1830 - elected a fellow of the Royal Society.

1833 - appointed engineer to the Great Western Railway.

1836 - began work on the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol but it was not completed until 1864, after his death.

1837 - became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

1838 - the SS Great Western made her successful maiden voyage to New York.

1844 - the SS Great Britain finally launched from Bristol docks.

1857 - awarded an honorary degree of DCL from the University of Oxford.

1858 - SS Great Eastern launched in London.

1864 - completion of the Clifton suspension bridge in his memory by the Institution of Civil Engineers.