Plaque

Islington Tunnel - west

Inscription

Legging the longest tunnel 
At 960 yards (878 metres) long, the Islington Tunnel is James Morgan's greatest engineering achievement.
To 'leg' a boat through, two boaters lay on their backs on planks laid across the bows. Then they 'walked' along the sides of the tunnel, inching the boat forwards with their feet.
Getting through the tunnel was also an achievement for early boaters, as there was no towpath. This meant they couldn't use their horses.

The Regents Canal
British Waterways London
Heritage Lottery Fund

Site: Islington Tunnel - west (1 memorial)

N1, Grand Union Canal near Muriel Street

This modern plaque is at the bottom of the sloping path on the left.

2019: The plaque at the other, east, end of this tunnel has been replaced so it's quite likely this one has been too. We need to return to check. 

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This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
Islington Tunnel - west

Subjects commemorated i

Islington Tunnel

960 yards (878 metres) long, designed by James Morgan, built over the three y...

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James Morgan

Probably born in Carmarthen, south Wales. Architect and engineer. Employed by...

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This section lists the subjects who helped to create/erect the memorial on this page:
Islington Tunnel - west

Created by i

Heritage Lottery Fund

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (rebranded 2019), formerly the Heritage Lo...

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