ENGINEERING

The first bridge to ever cross the Thames was built when the Romans first settled London. London Bridge was built at the bend of the Thames out of wood, and remained there until he 12th C. when, it was replaced by a stone bridge. And, it remained the only central London crossing until 1750. The Bridge, was the first of many engineering accomplishments and lead the way for new innovations.

SOUTHWARK BRIDGE, built by John Whyatt 1814

The Thames was an obstacle for engineers to overcome, building new bridges and tunnels to cross it. New materials were used such as Iron, which was used for the building of the Southwalk Bridge in 1814. Even new ideas for crossing the river came up, including building the impossible: a tunnel across the Thames. A growing population around the Thames caused over use and over crowding on the fiery and London Bridge. A tunnel was a perfect solution to the problem but a number of problems prevented a tunnel from being built. In the 18th and 19th century people feared tunnels for religious reasons, clergy warned people to stay away from nether regions because it was the home of evil forces. Engineering problems also prevented widespread use. Engineers were afraid a tunnel might cave in and the working conditions were unsafe. Marc Isambard Brunel wanted to overcome the impossible and was convinced he could build tunnel across the Thames. Brunel invented a solution in 1818 called the ‘Shield’, which would dig out the tunnel while supporting the sides with bricks. Parliament approved and Thames river project in 1824 and Brunel’s mission began. Due to many internal and external problems, the project took over 18 years to finish and was finally completed in 1843. The tunnel was strictly used by pedestrians for over two decades until in 1865 railways were installed for the London subway system.

The Completed Thames Tunnel

Because London was so busy and powerful they had the resources needed to build new engineering developments. They had the workers, materials and te money to support these projects, all which came from the city's trade and economic gains. London's accomplishments created a modern industrial city and lead and inspired modern developments in engineering.