1825: The Thames Tunnel is started

Construction of the Thames Tunnel begins in 1825, using Marc Brunel's patented 'Great Shield' method of construction - still the basis of tunnelling today.  But it was to be March 1843 before the tunnel was finished and at one point it nearly cost Isambard Brunel his life.

The novel 'Is' for 9-12 year olds, about a girl Isabel Williams who thinks she is Isambard Brunel reborn, is published by Troll Carnival on April 9 2010.