1840 in History

Acts as host to Emperor Nicholas I

The Great Western section between Bristol and Bath opens, using Brunel's broad gauge and associated masonry structures.

Opens his original Bristol Temple Meads terminus.

Interred at Les Invalides

Publication of "Travels in Icaria", the 1st "communist"

Accepts hereditary rule in Egypt while surrendering most territories gained from the Ottoman Empire.

Charts a long stretch of Antarctic coastline later associated with Wilkes Land, strengthening the case for Antarctica as a continent

The First de Theux Government ends in Brussels, concluding this period as head of the Belgian government.

Gladstone lambasts "Palmerston's Opium War" and said that he felt "in dread of the judgments of God upon England for our national iniquity towards China"

Intoduces the Penny Post to Britain

Leaves Russia on his way to London

Antonio Leocadio Guzman and his allies founded the Liberal Party to oppose the governing conservative establishment.

Albert is voted œ30,000 pa, they only have a 2 day honeymoon

Marries Victoria, his 1st cousin, at St James Palace

Marries Albert of Saxe-Coburg, Albert is voted œ30,000 pa, they have a 2 day honeymoon

Trains begin running from Brunel's Bristol station toward Bath.

Brunel submits a detailed report recommending screw propulsion instead of paddle wheels for the new Great Britain.

Begins the Second Joseph Lebeau Government in Brussels and serves as head of the Belgian government.

Brunel orders SS Great Britain to be redesigned for screw propulsion instead of paddle wheels.

Daniel Gooch proposes locomotive works at Swindon and Brunel supports creation of a major railway centre there.

Publication of "Travels in Icaria", the 1st "communist"

Publication of "Travels in Icaria", the 1st "communist"

Pays a visit to Queen Victoria

Disembarks from the Dutch steamer, "Cyclops". Arrives in Britain for the 1st time in 25 years

Another section of Brunel's Great Western main line opens between Wootton Bassett and Chippenham.

Birth of John Boyd Dunlop

Birth of Sophia Jex-Blake

Dies after ruling Paraguay for decades as supreme dictator.