Brunel's tunnel under the Thames open to pedestrians for two days

Friday, 12 March 2010

A 19th-century tunnel under the River Thames that was hailed as a wonder of Victorian engineering has reopened to pedestrians for two days.

It was built by father-and-son engineers Marc Brunel and Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1843.

The tunnel was a major tourist attraction, lined with shops and attractions. Queen Victoria was among the millions who walked its 1,300 foot (400 meter) length.

In 1869, it was converted to a railway tunnel for the East London subway line, which is currently closed for redevelopment.

Brunel Museum director Robert Hulse says the tunnel was "not just the birthplace of the Tube system, it is the site of a Victorian rave."

Pedestrians are allowed back in Friday and Saturday as part of London's East arts festival.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

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