Sapperton Canal Tunnel (South Entrance) On Former Thames And Severn Canal

COATES - SO 90 SE at NGR 96620058 2/1 Sapperton Canal Tunnel (south entrance) on former Thames and Severn Canal 4.6.52 (formerly listed in Sapperton Parish) GV II * South entrance to Sapperton Canal Tunnel. 1789, restored in c1980, bronze inscription plaque in centre reads: "Coates Portal Sapperton Tunnel 1789/" (rest indecipherable). Engineer Robert Whitworth. Rock faced and vermiculated masonry in very large blocks, coursed, with freestone dressings. Semi-circular arch about 1.5m high at apex from towpath, with keystone and voussoirs set into band. Flanking arch are round- headed niches with blind roundel over, engaged Doric columns with entablature rising to string course running across top with brackets below. Domed cap above, over each column and central nearly square panel with scrolled decoration to each side and moulded cornice in shape of very shallow pediment. Face of portal breaks forward to outer side of columns. At time of construction this was the longest tunnel in the world.

Listing NGR: SO9661500601