175 years ago today: the 1851 Great Exhibition had closed, but the Illustrated London News continued to publish engravings of the exhibits—this page features a fire engine displayed just inside the main entrance, as well as a brick-and-cement beam that was tested until it broke. Thanks to Keith Wood, GB, November 8, 2026.

By the end, over 1 million soft drinks—based on Jacob Schweppes’ refreshing idea—had been sold, and what was perhaps the first truly global brand was born. More at 24/7 http://www.hjktext.de and https://uk.pinterest.com/spiritschweppes/the-spirit-of-eggbottles/