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  • Thomas A. Walker was engaged for seven years in the construction of the Severn Tunnel. When he began work on the project he had already accumulated considerable experience in railroad survey and construction throughout Canada, Russia, Egypt and England. In writing his memoirs of his work on the Severn Tunnel he states: 'Sub-aqueous tunnels have recently become quite the fashion. One such experience as the Severn Tunnel, with its ever-varying and strangely contorted strata, and the dangers from floods above and floods below, has been sufficient for me. One sub-aqueous tunnel is quite enough for a lifetime.' This portrait of Thomas Walker (who died in 1889) is taken from his memoir of the project. Source: T. A. Walker, 'The Severn Tunnel: its construction and difficulties, 1872-1887' (London, Richard Bentley & Son, 1888).
Portrait of Thomas A. Walker, chief contractor on the Severn Tunnel project 1872-77
'Freight train emerging from Newport Tunnel' by Falcon D. Hildred, 1988