LETTER:Brunel's tunnel

From Mr R. K. Morris and Mr Roger Morgan

Sir: With regard to the debate over London Underground's proposals to waterproof the inside of Brunel's Thames Tunnel ("The Great Bore in its time - a forgotten gem in ours", 22 March), Brunel's Thames Tunnel, the first of its kind in the world, was a triumph of British engineering. This, combined with its revolutionary construction, makes it a prime candidate for listing, yet only the portals and shaft at Wapping are currently so covered.

London Underground's proposals to concrete the interior of the tunnel will obscure the terracotta tile lining. It is not clear that such drastic measures are structurally necessary and we urge that wider, informed consideration be given to the proposal.

This is what listing is for, and we join with the Newcomen Society and the Georgian Group in requesting the Secretary of State for National Heritage to apply it to this important, pioneering structure.

Yours faithfully,

RICHARD MORRIS

Director

Council for British Archaeology

ROGER MORGAN

Committee Member

Subterranea Britannica

York