On the 5th of January, 1850, the Royal Commission for carrying out this great scheme was gazetted; its first and second meetings, which were respectively held on the 11th and 18th of the same month, were entirely devoted to preliminary arrangements, and determining the mode of conducting its proceedings.
Among the most urgent matters calling for the attention of the Commissioners, the subject of the building early presented itself, as it was of the utmost importance that the longest possible time should be allowed for its erection; and, accordingly, at the third meeting, held on the 24th of January, the following noblemen and gentlemen were appointed to act as a
His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., F.R.S.
The Right Hon. the Earl of Ellesmere, F.S.A.
Charles Barry, Esq., R.A., F.R.S.
William Cubitt, Esq., F.R.S., Pr. of J.C.E.
Robert Stephenson, Esq., M.P., F.R.S.
C. R. Cockerell, Esq., R.A.
I. K. Brunel, Esq., F.R.S.