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Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1842
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Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1842
Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Men at work in the tunneling shield, patented in 1818 by the tunnels designer, Marc Isambard Brunel, which allowed 12 men to excavate at the tunnel face simultaneously. 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 14841029
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Brunel 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 a significant moment in the history of civil engineering - the construction of the Thames Tunnel in London, 1842. In this image, we see men diligently at work inside a tunneling shield, patented by Marc Isambard Brunel in 1818. This innovative design allowed twelve men to excavate simultaneously at the tunnel face. The Thames Tunnel was an extraordinary feat for its time, as it became the world's first underwater tunnel upon completion in 1843. Originally built as a foot tunnel connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, it later transformed into a railway tunnel for the East London Railway during the 1860s. Remarkably, even today, this historic structure continues to serve as part of the London Underground. Isambard Kingdom Brunel played a crucial role as site engineer during this ambitious project. His expertise and vision contributed to its successful execution. The print showcases not only his genius but also highlights the dedication and hard work of these anonymous laborers who tirelessly dug through soil and rock to create this underground marvel. This woodcut image from Heritage Images provides us with a glimpse into nineteenth-century occupation and industry. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance while reminding us of our ability to overcome challenges through innovation and collaboration.
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