1896

James Henry Greathead

Railway and tunnelling engineer. Born in Grahamstown, South Africa. Arrived in England in 1859. Studied with and then worked with civil engineer Peter W. Barlow on the Tower Subway tunnel. The travelling shield was invented by Marc Isambard Brunel. Greathead introduced modifications which meant it was generally used in constructing tunnels, in particular the tunnels of London's deep level tube system including the Waterloo and City line. Chief engineer, City and South London Railway.

We have found 3 abandoned tunnelling shields around London: at either end of the Rotherhithe tunnel and in a tunnel at Bank station. Died in London.

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
James Henry Greathead

Commemorated ati

Greathead shield at Bank

This 'Greathead' type tunnelling shield ws left at this point 18 metres below...

James Greathead statue

Note that part of the Greathead shield used in digging the tunnels at Bank St...

James Greathead - SW13

James Henry Greathead, 1844 - 1896, railway and tunnellng engineer, lived her...

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Other Subjects

first public supply of gas in the world

Royal Charter granted in 1812 to Gas Light and Coke Company for street lighting in London. Londonist published a lovely piece about the lamp lights of Victorian London still burning across the city.

Event, Engineering

1 memorial

Kingschoole sluice

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Building, Engineering

1 memorial

John Compton

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Person, Engineering, Music / songs

1 memorial

Denis Johnson

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Person, Commerce, Engineering

1 memorial

Road Research Laboratory

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Group, Engineering

1 memorial