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Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843
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Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843
Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Section of Marc Isambard Brunels tunnel showing men at work in the tunneling shield (right) while others take away spoil. The picture also shows the construction of the arched masonry lining using Roman cement behind the shield. The shield, which allowed 12 men to excavate at the tunnel face simultaneously, was patented by Brunel in 1818. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world. Completed as a foot tunnel in 1843, it was converted to a railway tunnel for the East London Railway in the 1860s. Constructed in 1825-1843, it is still used by the London Underground today. Isambard Kingdom Brunel acted as site engineer
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Media ID 14841027
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Brunel Cement Civil Engineering Construction Digging Excavating Isambard Kingdom Isambard Kingdom Brunel Marc Isambard Marc Isambard Brunel Sir Marc Isambard Sir Marc Isambard Brunel Thames Tunnel Tunnel Tunneling Shield Underground Work In Progress Workman Workmen Ann Ronan Pictures
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the remarkable construction of the Thames Tunnel in London, which took place between 1825 and 1843. In this particular section of Marc Isambard Brunel's tunnel, we see men diligently at work inside the tunneling shield on the right, while others are busy removing spoil. The image also showcases the innovative use of Roman cement to construct the arched masonry lining behind the shield. The patented tunneling shield allowed twelve men to excavate simultaneously at the face of the tunnel, a groundbreaking engineering feat for its time. Completed as a foot tunnel in 1843, it later underwent conversion into a railway tunnel for the East London Railway during the 1860s. Astonishingly, this historic structure is still utilized by today's London Underground. Isambard Kingdom Brunel played a crucial role as site engineer throughout this ambitious project that connected Wapping and Rotherhithe. This woodcut print provides us with an intriguing glimpse into nineteenth-century occupation and labor practices within civil engineering. The photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in overcoming immense challenges to create something truly extraordinary – an underwater passage that revolutionized transportation infrastructure. It stands as a tribute not only to Isambard Kingdom Brunel but also to Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, whose visionary leadership paved the way for such remarkable achievements in engineering history.
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