Plaque: Islington Tunnel - west
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.
Go to map of other memorials in this area
