A Great Briton (From Western Telegraph)

A Great Briton

ON THE site of the old Great Western railway station stands a bronze figure that captures the very essence of what Neyland is. That statue which watches over the marina is the emblematic figure of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the single-most important person in the town's 149-year history. "He's such a legendary figure in the history of engineering and technology in the 18th Century," says local historian, Simon Hancock. "But it's with Neyland that he has a unique relationship of international stature. "He had connections with other towns, but to be created by that one individual gives us a very special relationship that other towns just do not have." The small hamlet, once referred to as 'Nayland', was levelled by the South Wales Railway Company in 1855, leaving a blank canvas on which the engineer was to have unprecedented influence. On Tuesday, April 15th, 1856, when the railway officially opened, the insignificant village was reborn and Brunel's decision to site the railway's terminus on its banks assured that he, not only captured the town's heart, but also an iconic place in its history. "He is regarded as the founder of the community," says the local historian. "When you bring new means of transportation it has an enormous impact on the social and economic conditions of the town. "Neyland acquired an importance and status which the inhabitants of the sleepy little village could never of dreamed of." It signified a time of complete transformation and unprecedented expansion. Streets and shops were created, the landscape altered and the make-up of the population changed, with a mixture of Irish workers, English engineers and locals all contributing to "a true railway boom town." Employment, prosperity, and nationwide interest rolled out of the railway as steamships sailed and the erection of a high pontoon, designed by Brunel himself, facilitated the transport of passengers and livestock to the wider world. "Brunel's Great Eastern, one of the greatest ships in maritime history, also came to Neyland on two occasions to be repainted and repaired. Just another strong connection with our community and Brunel," reveals the Neyland-born historian. Neyland may be buried in a long and distinguished CV, which resulted in Isambard Kingdom Brunel being honoured one of the greatest Britons of all time, but today there are still tangible reminders of the engineer's work, from street names to statues, and from town signs down to the naming of the primary school's sport's teams. He achieved in his 53 years more than most could ever hope for, but his vision for progress and technological advance still inspires those that live in the world he created. "He created a whole town and I don't think you can ever overstate his significance."