Islington Tunnel - Duncan Street, Islington, London, UK
N 51° 31.999 W 000° 06.219
30U E 700877 N 5713111
This is one of a series of markers set into the pavements of Islington.
Waymark Code: WMG00N
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/26/2012
Views: 3
The London Canals website [visit link] tells
us:
"Work on Islington tunnel possibly
began in late 1814, as the digging of shafts were recorded in 1815, as well as a
short length of the tunnel. The collapse of a road tunnel at Archway forced
James Morgan to use stronger bricks and additional lining in the tunnel's arch.
It was not a easy job as springs and unstable gournd was experienced. Similar
problems were encountered at Maida Hill tunnel. Completion was in 1818, and
although the canal was not officially opened until 1820, it is possible the
tunnel was in use earlier than that date.
The dimensions of Islington tunnel
are 19 ft 6ins in height and 17ft 6ins wide. Although it is a wide tunnel narrow
boats are forbidden from passing in the tunnel. One of the reasons for this is
the tunnel's tumblehome sides. These slope inwards steeply and in some places
may cause problems from narrowboats attempting to pass each other. The situation
is not so critical for wide beam boats such as Beauchamp, which have been built
with the tunnels' profile in mind so that they can pass through within gauge
limits
The tunnel had a steam tug service,
which was introduced in 1826 and lasted until the 1930's. A chain operated
system was introduced which the tug pulled along, making the task of hauling
barges through the tunnel quicker and easier
Apart from issues related to the New
River, which once crossed the arch of the tunnel near its eastern portal,
Islington tunnel has been relatively free of problems until recently. In the
1980's major work was undertaken to repair the lining of the tunnel through its
middle one third section. A coffer dam was constructed at both ends and boats
were used to transport materials and workmen to the site. Further work was
undertaken in 2000.
Islington Tunnel was offcially
opened in 1820. It is not spectacularly long, but is considerably lengthy
compared to most other tunnels in the south east. Currently it is the longest
navigable canal tunnel in the south east."
The tunnel does not have a towpath so
horses, drawing barges, would have been unhitched and taken along the route
indicated by the markers, to meet up with the barge at the other end of the
tunnel. None powered barges were either pulled through the tunnel by a steam tug
or, later, by a chain driven system.
Sadly, some of the original markers have
been replaced by more modern markers that do not carry the directional
arrows.