17 September 2025
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The Thames Tunnel under construction showing the innovative shield in use
This year sees the 200th anniversary of the start of the construction of the Thames Tunnel - the world's first underwater tunnel. Designed by Marc Isambard Brunel, and constructed with his son Isambard, the ambitious project was eventually completed 18 years later.
The 'Eighth Wonder of the World'
At the time of the opening of the tunnel in 1843, the pedestrians who stepped into the world's first underwater tunnel were venturing into what was - at the time - known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
The origins & construction of the Thames Tunnel
It had originally been planned to allow horse-drawn carriages under London's iconic river, and was envisaged to more easily connect the docks to London, running Rotherhithe to Wapping.
As it happens, when it opened in 1843, it was for pedestrian use only. Later in 19th century, however, progress was such that the tunnel was put to use by the London Metropolitan line and underground trains made use of the tunnel - as they still do to this day.
The building of the tunnel had been unsuccessfully attempted in previous decades but with the invention of the tunnelling shield by Brunel, soil could be removed and the tunnel constructed with less danger of flooding. That said, at least 7 men are thought to have died in the construction of the tunnel - but for the times this was a notably small number to have perished. You may read more about the serious flood event of 1828 in which 6 of those who died perished here - Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself received a leg injury and internal injuries too.
Progress building the tunnel was slow, at just 1 to 8 feet per day, and costs rose dramatically as the project - which had been anticipated to take 3 years to complete, ended up taking 18. On completion it was viewed as a triumph, however, and became a tourist attraction - visitors (of whom there were 2 million a year) being charged a penny to walk through the 400-metre (1,300 feet) tunnel.
Visiting the Brunel Museum
The original engine house and shaft at the Rotherhithe end of the Thames Tunnel have been preserved and now house the Brunel Museum. This tells the story of this historic feat of engineering. The museum is running guided tours until 14 December 2025, which cover the history of the tunnel. Tickets: Adult £8.50, Family £13.00, Disabled person (includes 1 free carer) £5.00, Over 65s £5.00, Student £5.00, Child (5+) £5.00. Tickets may be booked online.
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