[Library picture of Brunel’s cutting in Sydney Gardens]
Varian Tye – who is rapidly becoming my “Box Correspondent” – writes:
I recall reading somewhere that one should “strike while the iron is hot “. Therefore, following your excellent update on the Bath Newseum regarding the condition of Brunel’s Box Tunnel and the railway embankments that lead up to it, I noted that you refer to the Anniversary of Jane Austen and the artist JMWTurner.
I am aware that Jane Austen events bring with them celebrations in Bath, and rightly so to reflect a part of its Georgian Heritage, but also that one of Turner’s well-known and much-loved paintings, Rain, Steam, and Speed, features the Great Western Railway.
I therefore wondered if there are any plans by the Heritage people in B&NES, including the City of Bath World Heritage Site Manager, amenity societies, or other parties in the City, are preparing to celebrate Railway 200 and Brunel’s GWR railway through Bath?
An opportunity perhaps not to be missed and to help highlight Bath’s industrial heritage as well as its Georgian past.
Bath has some notable examples of Brunel’s work, such as the cutting through Sydney Gardens, the Dolemeads viaduct, St James Bridge, Bath Spa Station, and the medieval-styled viaduct to the west of the station. Twerton viaduct and station, and the Twerton Tunnels. I hope you agree there’s a lot to celebrate
In respect of celebrating Railway 200, there is also an interesting update on these celebrations on the Great West Way website, a route on which both Box and Bath are situated.
The above refers to both Bath and Box, and that they are a railway enthusiast’s delight.
Furthermore it has a sentence, identified in red, when referring to Box, as follows: “ Learn more about Box Tunnel, the iconic railway landmark here. “ which if you click on, provides access to a fascinating video about the importance and construction of the Box Tunnel, with many items I have not seen before. A timely reminder of the importance of the Box Tunnel in view of your recent update on your website on its condition.
If you have not seen the video, I suggest you may wish to look at it and also consider drawing it to the attention of your readers of Bath Newseum, as I think some may be interested in viewing it as well.”
Thanks for that, Varian.
