1-151-894 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Men at work in the tunneling shield, patented in 1818 by the tunnel's designer, Marc Isambard Brunel, which allowed 12 men to excavate at the tunnel face simultaneously. 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.