Canal tunnels can be beautiful

Canal tunnels are a real example of amazing industrial engineering. Mostly designed in the C18th, blasted through and dug out by "Navvies" using picks,  shovels, wheelbarrows and sometimes "trains", they remain a lasting memorial to sheer hard work and dedication.

Tardebigge Tunnel

Tardebigge Tunnel

Tardebigge Tunnel has a hidden beauty ......

The engineers on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal came and went. At the Tardebigge stage, two engineers were involved - Thomas Cartwright and John Woodhouse. Tardebigge tunnel was cut through solid rock and the beauty of the tunnel is only seen when a narrowboat headlight cuts through the darkness. 

brick lining

Both ends are brick lined

But it gets more exciting! It pays to look up at the sandstone above and the camera flash enhances the beauty of the swirls and lines of sandstone grain.

sandstone grain

Lines of sandstone grain

water amrked sandstone

Water has seeped through and left its mark

It is rumoured that the tunnel is haunted and that below the waterline there is a secret brick archway leading to a cavern. We spotted evidence - the ghost obviously likes a drink occasionally!

cup in tardebigge tunnel

Can you see the evidence? You might need to click on the image!

To see more of the beauty of the Tardebigge Tunnel and to experience it yourself, have a look at our video slideshow - it takes you right through and back again!

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