NOOKS and CORNERS
ISAMBARD Kingdom Brunel’s Box Tunnel in Wiltshire (
right
), taking the Great Western Railway underneath Box Hill, was the longest rail tunnel in the world when it was completed in 1841, the final and largest engineering marvel in constructing the line.
The project was controversial. It was seen as wildly expensive to build, saw a large number of workers killed during construction, and early passengers were dubious about travelling in the subterranean darkness.
The grand entrance to the 2,964m-long tunnel was built in a classical style, reflecting the influence of nearby Bath. It is of such significance to railway history that there is a long-standing viewing platform on the A4 London Road where Brunel enthusiasts can stop to take pictures.