The Victoria Tunnel boasts a rich history, spanning two distinct chapters. Initially conceived during the heyday of Newcastle’s coal mining era, it served as a vital artery for transporting coal to the Tyne River for shipment. Later, amid the turmoil of World War II, it found a new purpose as a sanctuary from air raids.
Coal Transport in Newcastle’s Industrial Era In the throes of the 19th-century industrial revolution, Newcastle emerged as a coal mining hub, dotted with mines across the landscape. Entrepreneurs Porter and Latimer, eager to capitalize on the coal boom, acquired the Leazes Main Pit in Spital Tongues. Yet, the coal they extracted proved subpar, laden with soot and smoke, unsuitable for local consumption. Thus, the decision was made to ship it south to London, earning Newcastle its moniker, “The Big Smoke.”
The logistical challenge of transporting coal from Newcastle’s hinterlands to the Tyne River was formidable. Narrow, medieval streets posed obstacles to horse-drawn carts laden with coal, provoking ire among residents. Seeking a solution, the pit owners enlisted the expertise of engineer William Ellison Gillespie, who devised an innovative plan: the construction of a subterranean tunnel.
Construction commenced in 1839, employing 200 laborers known as Navvies. Over two years and ten months, they excavated through boulder clay, fashioning the tunnel’s walls with recycled materials from nearby construction projects. Upon completion in 1842, the tunnel, initially named Spital Tongues Tunnel, was christened Victoria Tunnel in honor of the queen.
Operating on a 90:1 gradient, the tunnel facilitated the effortless descent of coal-laden trucks to the Tyne, propelled by gravity. A steam engine at the summit hauled them back up, ensuring continuous operation. Despite initial success, dwindling coal reservoirs led to bankruptcy for the owners, culminating in the abandonment of the tunnel in 1860.
War-Time Sanctuary With the specter of World War II looming, the Victoria Tunnel underwent a transformation, repurposed as an air raid shelter for Newcastle’s populace. Sixteen entrances were planned, with seven realized, outfitted with amenities to accommodate up to 9,000 individuals seeking refuge during air raids.
The tunnel was meticulously prepared, whitewashed, and fortified with concrete blast walls. Electric lighting illuminated the subterranean refuge, while bunk beds and wooden benches provided respite for weary shelterers. Special paint adorned the walls, designed to detect poisonous gases, ensuring the safety of occupants.
Despite its solemn wartime role, the tunnel retained elements of levity, including chemical toilets and optional privacy curtains, attended to by dutiful wardens. Throughout the war, the Victoria Tunnel stood as a beacon of resilience, sheltering Newcastle’s residents from the ravages of conflict.
