Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a British civil engineer who was one of the biggest engineering influences in the 19th century. He was born in Portsmouth in 1806, before going to study in the University of Caen.

After Brunel completed his apprenticeship he decided to return to England. Brunel worked for several years as an assistant engineer to the Thames Tunnel project which is still in use today but is now part of the underground. Brunel however is best remembered for the design of Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol which had the longest span of any bridge at the time of construction.

Brunel is someone who showed great perseverance and problem solving in all of his work when challenged with tasks that people previously couldn't have achieved. He is someone who should inspire the young men at JHGS as he showed that by persevering with tasks and putting all of your effort into it, you can achieve things you never imagined you could. Brunel was voted second on the most influential Britons of all time.