Crystal Palace

5:14pm Tuesday 31st July 2007

Crystal Palace is a residential area in south London, named after its former famous landmark.

The huge glass and iron structure that was the original Crystal Palace was built in Hyde Park in 1851 to house the Great Exhibition.

After the exhibition finished the palace's designer Sir Joseph Paxton arranged for the structure to be transferred to Penge Place Estate, Sydenham, now called Crystal Palace Park.

Crystal Palace was reopened in 1854 by Queen Victoria. It stood on its new location until it burned down in 1936.

The remains of the palace can be found at the top end of the park nearest to Crystal Palace itself. They include terraces, sphinxes and a huge bust of Sir Joseph Paxton.

The park, in the borough of Bromley, remains a major public space, staging sports events and concerts.

The area is one of the highest places in London, its highest point being 367ft.

Two television transmitter masts mean Crystal Palace is visible from many parts of London.

Explore News Shopper