Blackwall Tunnel opened by the Prince of Wales (1897)

The Blackwall Tunnel, a road tunnel beneath the River Thames in London, was formally opened by the Prince of Wales on 22 May 1897. Constructed by Pearson & Sons between 1892 and 1897, the project aimed to improve commerce in the East End. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was a frequent performer of ceremonial public duties, including opening major infrastructure projects.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Blackwall Tunnel is a pair of road tunnels underneath the River Thames in east London, linking the London Borough of Tower Hamlets with the Royal Borough of Greenwich. A bridge was not feasible due to shipping in the River Thames in East London. The Thames Tunnel (Blackwall) Act 1887 was enacted in August 1887, authorizing the construction.

Construction. The tunnel was constructed by Pearson & Sons between 1892 and 1897, with Ernest William Moir serving as the lead engineer. The project was a major transport initiative intended to improve commerce and trade in London's East End. The northern portal lies just south of the East India Dock Road in Blackwall.

Opening. The tunnel was formally opened by the Prince of Wales on 22 May 1897. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was known for pioneering royal public appearances, having previously opened the Thames Embankment, the Mersey Railway Tunnel, and Tower Bridge. He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

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Sources

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