Hidden Newcastle: Victoria Tunnel
Share:
Newcastle is one of the North’s liveliest cities; a city that never sleeps, but one has to ask, how many of those humble shoppers, sleepy commuters and untamed clubbers (we can rule them out already) are aware that nearly 180 years of Newcastle’s history was lurking below their feet.
In the mid 19th century, the Industrial Revolution was as it’s zenith and demand for energy soared. At this time, most of this energy came from the black lumps of sedimentary rock we call coal, and the North East was at the centre of this energy storm. Newcastle was sitting on a goldmine, except the mines were actually coal, obviously. Anyhow, the owners of one of Newcastle’s largest collieries – Leazes Main – felt their business was being held back by higgledy piggly layout of the city, then still sporting it’s medieval layout, and the excessively high road taxes. The solution? They decided to employ a local engineer to construct a two and a half mile tunnel running under the heart of Newcastle for wagons to travel through t0 reach the River Tyne, where the coal would be loaded on to ships for export. A novel way to beat the traffic, eh?
Opened in 1842, and named after the grandmother of Europe (Queen Victoria, in case the name hasn’t given it away), the Victoria Tunnel was able to cut the costs of transporting coal to the river by an astonishing 88%. However, since the colliery was not such a financial success and closed in 1860, the tunnel was only in use for 18 years before being neglected until 1939, when it took on a new role as an air raid shelter protecting the resilient people of Newcastle when the German Luftwaffe beckoned. With space for 9000 apprehensive citizens, the tunnel was a cramped and inhospitable refuge, and indeed some people were afraid to venture into it – even in an emergency – but the people were never despondent, they rallied together to retain their sense of optimism; their fighting spirit. A spirit that helped win the war. A spirit that still lingers in the Victoria tunnel.
Today the tunnel is a popular tourist attraction – after a painstaking restoration in 2007 – and offers guided tours, starting at the Ouseburn entrance which leads brave visitors 700 meters into the eerie interior of the historic tunnel, which remains largely intact
All in all, the Victoria tunnel greatly helped Newcastle’s industrial revolution and then protected its people from unhinged German aggression throughout the second world war, all before inviting thousands of 21st century visitors inside its gates to relive its poignant, and vibrant history. From riches to rags and then back again, there’s no denying that the Victoria Tunnel is integral to Newcastle’s history, and continues to be a part of Newcastle identity – a secret identity.
If you’re interested in taking a closer look, head over to the Ouseburn Trust’s website for more history and to book a guided tour.