Gilbert Roberts facts for kids

Sir Gilbert Roberts (born February 18, 1899 – died January 1, 1978) was a brilliant British civil engineer. He became famous for designing many amazing bridges all over the world. His work helped connect places and made travel easier for millions of people.

Early Life and Learning

Gilbert Roberts was born in Hampstead, a part of London. His father was a pharmacist. Gilbert went to Bromley High School. He then started studying engineering at Gresham College.

But then, World War I began. Gilbert joined the Royal Flying Corps to serve his country.

Building Amazing Bridges

In 1918, Gilbert was injured during a bombing mission. He was sent back to England. He received a special scholarship to attend City and Guilds College, which is part of Imperial College. He earned his engineering degree in 1923.

After college, Gilbert Roberts became a civil engineer. He worked on some very important projects. These included the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, which opened in 1932. He also worked on the Otto Beit suspension bridge (1938) across the Zambezi River in Africa.

Severn Bridge

Later, as a senior partner at the British company Freeman Fox & Partners, he designed even more incredible bridges. He worked with another engineer named William Brown. Together, they designed:

• The Volta River Bridge (1957)
• The Auckland Harbour Bridge (1959–71)
• The Forth Road Bridge (1964)
• The Severn Bridge (1966)
• The Bosphorus Bridge (1973)
• The Humber Bridge (1981)

Gilbert Roberts also helped design other unique structures. These included the C.S.I.R.O. Radio Telescope and the Dome of Discovery for the Festival of Britain Exhibition.

Awards and Recognition

Gilbert Roberts was recognized for his amazing work. He was made a knight in 1965, so he became Sir Gilbert Roberts. This was a great honor.

On March 18, 1965, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of very important scientists and engineers. They chose him because he was "Distinguished for his contributions to civil engineering by advancing the design of structures, particularly long span bridges."

In 1968, he received the Royal Medal. This is one of the highest awards given by the Royal Society.

Personal Life

Gilbert Roberts married Elizabeth Nada Hora in London in 1935. He passed away in St Stephen's Hospital, London, on January 1, 1978.