The portal leading into Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s historic Grade 11* listed Box rail tunnel may be placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. That’s if bathnewseum.com regular Varian Tye has anything to do with it.
He writes:
“As you are aware, I am concerned with the condition of the Box Tunnel Portal, as a part of its attractive stone balustrade is missing ( see photos ) .
This appears to have occurred because of a root to a bush embedded in the stonework just below the balustrade, which has caused movement in the above area.
The other day, with the leaves now falling from trees and bushes, I noted that a crack has regrettably also started to develop on the western return of the Grade II* listed building (see photo). This would suggest movement in this area of the Tunnel Portal as well.
I have therefore written to Historic England, asking them to consider placing Brunel’s Box Tunnel Portal on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
It saddens me that such an important example of the railway history of this country, in particular when the country is celebrating 200 years of the Railway under Railway 200, is in such poor condition. https://railway200.co.uk/ “
Do let me know how you get on, Varian.
Varian is right to be concerned about the declining condition of this fantastic tunnel portico. This just adds to the concern about the missing Bath station clock !
Come on GWR! Stitch in time saves 9.
Thank goodness for Varian Tye. Is there any mechanism to support/encourage/recognise people like him? It’s the major route for getting anything done !