THIS MONTH'S ANNIVERSARIES

10 November 1827..

Dinner in the Tunnel

24 November 1840.

Henry Isambard Brunel accompanied by Sir Marc, walked along the Driftway from the Wapping shaft to the shield, Sir Marc passed Henry through the shield and then climbed through after him Raising Henry onto his shoulders he then carried him to Rotherhithe. They were followed by the Board of Directors- Henry Isambard Brunel thus became the first person to complete an entire journey under water.

28 November 1825

The shaft at Rotherhithe, having reached the depth of 65 feet, was completed. Marc Brunel wanted the shaft sunk to 85 feet but the Directors of the Tunnel would allow no more money to be spent on the shaft. It is for this reason that the tunnel slopes 11 feet from the shaft to the centre of the river.

On this day horizontal tunneling began -the tunnel was under way!.

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Last updated on 01/12/2001