Thames Tunnel

The Thames Tunnel is an underwater tunnel designed for pedestrian traffic, begun in 1825 and completed in 1843 by engineer Marc Isambard Brunel, with assistance from Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The tunnel is approximately 366 meters (1,200 feet) long and constructed of brick bedded in Roman cement, faced with clay tiles and stucco. It features two parallel vaults with a horseshoe shape, measuring 4.27 meters (14 feet) wide and 4.88 meters (16 feet) high, which are connected at intervals by cross arches. These vaults are encased in a rectangular brick framework that is 11.58 meters (38 feet) wide and 6.7 meters (22 feet) high externally. At each end of the tunnel, there are access shafts that are 15.24 meters (50 feet) across. The segmental arches that separate the two vaults rest on Greek Doric half-columns with square abaci, although many of these arches have been filled in. The tunnel has a stucco finish that mimics ashlar stone on top of a red clay tile lining.

Historically, experimental attempts to construct a tunnel were made in 1805 by Robert Vazie and again in 1808 by Richard Trevithick. The current tunnel was built following a revised plan by Marc Brunel, who utilized a tunnelling shield he designed and patented in 1818. The tunnel was officially opened on 26 May 1843 and served as a foot tunnel until it was converted for the East London Railway between 1865 and 1869. It has since been used by electric underground trains on the East London Line.