UK ICONS

How great British innovations of the past have translated into icons of today and tomorrow

inspiring sites FROM…

5000 YEARS AGO, Britons raised a giant circle of megaliths and created Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Archaeologists believe it originally served as a burial ground, and subsequently as an astronomical observatory and religious site. King Henry VIII acquired Amesbury Abbey and its surrounding lands, including the site, and in 1540 gave the estate to the Earl of Hertford. Passing hands several times, it was bought in 1824 by the Antrobus family of Cheshire who sold it after their last heir was killed in Word War I. At auction, ‘Lot 15. Stonehenge with about 30 acres, 2 rods, 37 perches of adjoining downland’ was bought for £6,600 by Cecil Chubb, who believed a local man should own it. Three years later, he gave it to the nation.

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CREATED BY LORD RICHARD ROGERS, London’s O2 Arena was reopened on 25 May 2007, with a concert by Bon Jovi. Originally constructed as the Millennium Dome to house a major exhibition, the development was led by UK civil engineering fi rm Sir Robert McAlpine, with electrical work by T Clarke and engineering of the 4,500-tonne arena roof by Watson Steel Structures. Building started with the roof, which was built on the ground and then raised, as cranes could not be used in the dome structure. Housing a smaller live music club, 11-screen cinema, and exhibition and entertainment areas, The O2 Arena will host gymnastic and basketball fi nals during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. ■

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