Brunel Tunnelling Shield

Brunel patents a tunnelling shield divided into protected working compartments, allowing excavation and brick lining to advance together.

Brunel patents a tunnelling shield that allows miners to excavate in protected compartments while brickwork is built behind them.

Brunel prepares a plan for a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Wapping using his patented tunnelling shield.

Brunel works with his father on the shield system used for the Thames Tunnel.

The sinking shaft is completed and Brunel's tunnelling shield is assembled beneath the Rotherhithe site.

A larger improved shield is assembled so excavation of the Thames Tunnel can resume after the long suspension.

A larger improved tunnelling shield is assembled and excavation beneath the Thames resumes.