Page "Charles Barry" Paragraph 37

Work on the actual building began with the laying of a foundation stone on 27 April 1840 by Barry's wife Sarah near the north-east corner of the building.

A major problem for Barry came with the appointment on 1 April 1840 of the ventilation expert Dr David Boswell Reid.

Reid, who Barry described as '.. not profess to be thoroughly acquainted with the practical details of building and machinery ' would make increasing demands that affected the building's design, leading to delays in construction, and by 1845 Barry refused to communicate with Reid except in writing.

A direct result of Reid's demands was the addition of the Central Tower, designed to act as a giant chimney to draw fresh air through the building.