CRYSTAL PALACE, a well-known English resort in the neighbourhood of Sydenham just outside the southern boundary of the county of London. The building, chiefly of iron and glass, was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton (q.v.), and was originally erected in Hyde Park for the 1851 Exhibition. It was enlarged and re-erected on high ground in its new site in 1854 and for a quarter century was very popular as an amusement centre and show place. After that it declined somewhat, but after the World War it was chosen because of its spaciousness to house the Impe rial War Museum, which comprises a large collection of war relics, souvenirs, photographs and other records. There are accommoda tions in the grounds for many sports and games. On Nov. 3o, the building was almost wholly destroyed by fire.