Crick Tunnel Completion

Reader's Letters & Queries: NarrowBoat, Autumn 2010

With reference to the article on the Leicester Line (Summer 2010 NB), I have a photograph, dated July 1975, of a brick in the north end of Crick Tunnel. This is not any old brick, but one which has inscribed deeply into it a piece of graffito: “Finished 1814 Ag/7”. This conflicts with the date of 29th July 1814 quoted by Stevens in his book The Leicester Line, based on a plan and section held by British Waterways. The difference, presumably, is between the date of opening for traffic and the final completion of the works. The inscription was possibly put there by a proud but literate workman, or by the engineer, relieved that the troublesome tunnel had at last been completed. The date is evidently two days prior to the celebratory grand opening cruise on 9th August 1814 as quoted by Mike Beech. A close-run thing! On a recent visit I was delighted to find the brick was still there. Michael Young, RugbyDo any readers know of any other such commemorative features on our wate…