1-151-892 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

The Thames Tunnel, London, c1825-c1845. Cross-section showing the position of Marc Isambard Brunel's double-arched masonry tunnel in relation to the Thames. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world. Completed as a foot tunnel in 1843, it was converted to a railway tunnel for the East London Railway in the 1860s. Constructed in 1825-1843, it is still used by the London Underground today. Isambard Kingdom Brunel acted as site engineer.