In London, the Crystal Palace is destroyed by fire.

The Crystal Palace was a revolutionary iron and glass structure originally built in London to house the Great Exhibition of 1851. Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, it showcased cutting-edge engineering and modern materials of the Victorian era, symbolizing industrial progress. Measuring an impressive 1,851 feet in length and 128 feet in height, the palace’s modular design utilized prefabricated components, enabling its rapid construction in just nine months. It was situated in Hyde Park during the exhibition, attracting millions of visitors and displaying innovations from around the world. After the event, it was relocated to Sydenham Hill, where it served as a cultural and educational hub until it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1936. The Crystal Palace remains a landmark in architectural history, influencing modern architecture and demonstrating the possibilities of prefabrication and expansive public spaces.