If you’re visiting London and want to avoid the usual queues and exhorbitant entrance fees of the more renowned tourist attractions, why not view a piece of engineering history at the award winning Brunel Museum instead? http://www.brunel-museum.org.uk/index.asp
Featuring the extraordinary careers of both Sir Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, you’ll be able to see and experience such feats of engineering as:
The Thames Tunnel (1825-43) ‘A triumph of ingenuity and perseverance in the face of floods, financial losses and human disaster’. Still in operation today, this was the first tunnel to be constructed under a navigable river with the use of a tunnel shield. As a regular special event, the museum conducts guided tours by tube train through the floodlit tunnel.
The Engine House – built to pump water out of the Tunnel. A notable example of 19th century architecture.
Brick Shaft – the original shaft adjoins the Engine House and was the first project of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The Shield – revolutionising modern tunnelling, this tunnelling shield was the invention of Sir Marc Brunel.
SPECIAL EVENT: During selected days in December, a £5 ticket will take you on a Thames Tunnel tour with underwater Christmas shopping at the museum. See website for further details. Sounds fun!
