Image Licensing : The Severn Tunnel, c1886

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph captures the English portal of the Severn Tunnel as it appeared around 1886, shortly after its completion. The Severn Tunnel, a marvel of engineering at the time, was the world's first underwater railway tunnel and a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Victorian engineers. The image showcases the grandeur and scale of the tunnel entrance, with the intricately designed brickwork and the massive iron gates standing proudly. The tunnel, which spans the River Severn, connects England and Wales, and was a significant milestone in the development of the railway network in the UK. The Severn Tunnel was built to overcome the challenge of crossing the River Severn, which was too wide and treacherous for a traditional bridge. The construction of the tunnel involved the use of compressed air to help workers excavate the tunnel, and it took over 12 years to complete. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to an era when the railway was a new and exciting technology, and the completion of such a monumental engineering feat was cause for great celebration. The Severn Tunnel paved the way for the expansion of the railway network and the improvement of transportation infrastructure in the UK, and it remains an important part of the country's industrial heritage. This photograph, taken from the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, is a reminder of the ingenuity, perseverance, and innovation that went into building the Severn Tunnel and the railway network, and it continues to inspire and captivate us to this day.