Influence Thames Tunnel

commemorative plaque @ rotherhithe underground station before east london line closed in 2007

the construction of thames tunnel showed indeed possible build underwater tunnels, despite previous scepticism of many engineers. several new underwater tunnels built in uk in following decades: tower subway in london; severn tunnel under river severn; , mersey railway tunnel under river mersey. brunel s tunnelling shield later refined, james henry greathead playing particularly important role in developing technology.

the historic importance of thames tunnel recognised on 24 march 1995, when structure listed grade ii* in recognition of architectural importance. plaque seen above stairs descending rotherhithe platforms before temporary closure. plaque removed safe keeping duration of works, reinstated on tunnel wall , can seen passenger staircase station platforms.

in 1835, italian poet giacomo leopardi parodied construction of thames tunnel in lines 126–129 of poem palinodia al marchese gino capponi .