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Sapperton Canal Tunnel

1789 establishments in EnglandCanal tunnels in EnglandCanals in GloucestershireDisused tunnelsGeographic coordinate lists
Lists of coordinatesThames and Severn CanalTunnels completed in 1789Tunnels in GloucestershireUse British English from June 2017
Southern portal, Sapperton canal tunnel (uncropped)
Southern portal, Sapperton canal tunnel (uncropped)

The Sapperton Canal Tunnel is a tunnel on the Thames and Severn Canal near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, England. With a length of 3,817 yards (3,490 m), it was the longest tunnel of any kind in England from 1789 to 1811. Construction, following an Act of Parliament, began in 1784. Twenty-six shafts were dug along the line of the tunnel and workfaces dug in each direction eventually joining up before the diameter of the tunnel was expanded. Difficulties were encountered related to strata of Great Oolite (solid limestone) and Fuller's Earth clay. These caused roof falls and narrowing of the channel which continued after the tunnel opened in 1789 and required frequent maintenance. The stone portals at either end are listed buildings. Boats passed through by legging until 1911. The canal was abandoned by 1933 and subsequent roof falls mean that it is no longer navigable. Cotswold Canals Trust have proposed restoration.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Sapperton Canal Tunnel (License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Authors, Images).

Sapperton Canal Tunnel
Stroud Road, Cotswold District Sapperton

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Wikipedia: Sapperton Canal TunnelContinue reading on Wikipedia

Geographical coordinates (GPS)

Latitude Longitude
N 51.7162 ° E -2.0666 °
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Address

Stroud Road
GL6 8HZ Cotswold District, Sapperton
England, United Kingdom
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Southern portal, Sapperton canal tunnel (uncropped)
Southern portal, Sapperton canal tunnel (uncropped)
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