Been waiting to do this one for a while but due to the fact its such a trek id kind put it off. But as the initial plan for the evening fell through i thought f**k it and headed off into the night. The walk was even more tedious than i expected taking about 35-40 mins just to get there. Turned out to be worth the walk even if i did forgetmy boots so couldnt go in quite as far as would of liked.
Bit of history pinched from Underground Kent
Many proposals had been made for a Channel Tunnel dating as far back as Napoleonic times and in 1875 serious planning began on both sides of the Channel. However, early attempts on the English side were not very successful and flooding was a continual problem. In 1880 a test shaft was sunk at Abbot’s Cliff near Folkestone, followed by a second shaft at Shakespeare Cliff in 1881. The tunnel was expected to be completed by 1886, but the British Government were beginning to grow increasingly concerned that the Tunnel would render Britain extremely vulnerable in the face of an invading army from Europe (by this time recently unified Germany were perceived as posing the greatest military threat to Britain). The government remained concerned; very little work proceeded after 1882 and the project was forcibly abandoned in 1898 when bring was permanently restrained through the High Court.
Today the wooden props within the original shaft are rotten and crumple very easily and chalk falls are numerous. As the tunnel slopes downwards, the height of water begins to increase until a point is reached beyond which access is not possible.
Visited with Urban Budgie.
Looking in the entrance
and the tunnel ahead
What i believe was the stables
The old graffiti pic
Looking down the tunnel bore
Some fallen chalk inside the tunnel
Decided not to go any further due to footwear failure lol
Bit of a play
Looking back to the beginning of the tunnel
My attempt at what i like to think of as the money shot. Not too bad i think.
Heading back out
an old nail
Nearly out
Werent a bad night really. Long walk, dodgy air and wet feet. What more could u ask for.
Thanks for looking.
Bit of history pinched from Underground Kent
Many proposals had been made for a Channel Tunnel dating as far back as Napoleonic times and in 1875 serious planning began on both sides of the Channel. However, early attempts on the English side were not very successful and flooding was a continual problem. In 1880 a test shaft was sunk at Abbot’s Cliff near Folkestone, followed by a second shaft at Shakespeare Cliff in 1881. The tunnel was expected to be completed by 1886, but the British Government were beginning to grow increasingly concerned that the Tunnel would render Britain extremely vulnerable in the face of an invading army from Europe (by this time recently unified Germany were perceived as posing the greatest military threat to Britain). The government remained concerned; very little work proceeded after 1882 and the project was forcibly abandoned in 1898 when bring was permanently restrained through the High Court.
Today the wooden props within the original shaft are rotten and crumple very easily and chalk falls are numerous. As the tunnel slopes downwards, the height of water begins to increase until a point is reached beyond which access is not possible.
Visited with Urban Budgie.
Looking in the entrance
and the tunnel ahead
What i believe was the stables
The old graffiti pic
Looking down the tunnel bore
Some fallen chalk inside the tunnel
Decided not to go any further due to footwear failure lol
Bit of a play
Looking back to the beginning of the tunnel
My attempt at what i like to think of as the money shot. Not too bad i think.
Heading back out
an old nail
Nearly out
Werent a bad night really. Long walk, dodgy air and wet feet. What more could u ask for.
Thanks for looking.
Last edited by a moderator:
