L1695 - Kilsby Tunnel portal on the LNWR in Northamptonshire

L1695 - Kilsby Tunnel portal on the LNWR in Northamptonshire
L1695 - Kilsby Tunnel portal on the LNWR in Northamptonshire
L1695 - Kilsby Tunnel portal on the LNWR in Northamptonshire
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iBase ID
11078
Title
L1695 - Kilsby Tunnel portal on the LNWR in Northamptonshire
Description
L1695 - Kilsby Tunnel on the London & North Western Railway was built by Robert Stephenson, builder of the famous locomotive 'Rocket', back in the mid-1830's as part of the London & Birmingham Railway. 1,250 navvies were employed on the construction, and many of these nearly lost their lives when the roof of the tunnel collapsed soon after starting the project. The problem was caused by a layer of waterlogged sand about 120 feet below the surface. Large steam engines were erected over shafts to pump out the water, and they had to work continually for eight months, pumping an average of 2,000 gallons of water every minute. All in all, the 2,400 yard long tunnel took nearly two years to build at an cost of £ 300,000, compared to the original estimated cost of £99,000. This photograph dates from around 1899, but the purpose of the buildings on the left is unclear.



British Railways - S. W. A. Newton Collection






More information about these photographs and the Great Central Railway can be found here
Maker
S.W.A. Newton
LCC ID. No.
L1695.tif
Image Use
Personal use only unless otherwise agreed
Notes
IM&ICT - RC
Original media type: Glass plate negative
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