Stories
Explore fascinating stories from the history of the Thames Tunnel
Visitors to the Thames Tunnel
The Thames Tunnel was immensely popular as a tourist attraction when it first opened on 25 March 1843 with one million visitors in its first ten weeks. – But people also visited before it was even open. Let’s take a look at some of those people: Fanny Kemble Fanny Kemble described a visit to the …
Virtual Tours
You can now visit us virtually and even travel back through time with us. Click on the pictures to explore a virtual model of the museum site at different points in time, and to learn about some of its fascinating history. Each tour comprises four 360 degree scenes that you can use your mouse (or …
Living & Loving Underground
To celebrate often overlooked LGBQT+ history we have released a series of videos revealing the role the Thames Tunnel played as a space where people, including gay and bisexual men, could meet each other in the 1850s. Completed in 1843, the Thames Tunnel was the first tunnel underwater anywhere in the world. Popular with tourists …
Isambard Kingdom Brunel with History Storytime
We worked with History Storytime to help create a podcast for children on Isambard Kingdom Brunel – give it a listen here! Sophie (age 7) & Ellie (age 5) team up with the Brunel Museum to tell the story of the incredible engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel helped build the modern world. Sophie and Ellie are …
Rotherhithe Navvies
Let us tell you the story of Irish workers who built the Thames Tunnel. The below short videos include music and stories inspired by the Irish workers who helped Sir Marc Brunel to build one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. Part 1: A Place of Contrasts Part 2: Letters with Mary Part 3: …
A Victorian Christmas with the Brunels
Christmas at the Brunels! The Brunel family lived during the Victorian era and they would have adopted many of traditions that became popular at the time. They would have decorated their Christmas tree with candles (they didn’t have fairy lights!), sweets and fruit, and sent Christmas cards to friends and family. Marc Brunel was a …
