Building the last Main Line Railway

Catesby Tunnel and Viaduct: gcrcs79

View of the northern portal of Catesby tunnel and the Permanent Way hut being built on the left. The Permanent Way hut can be seen in use in image 'gcct5'. Catesby tunnel, at almost 3000 yards (2742 metres), was the longest on the Great Central's London Extension. Note the date plaque (1897) over the tunnel's entrance, installed to mark the completion of this momentous engineering achievement. The contractor responsible for building this section of line (Contract No 4, Rugby to Woodford) was T Oliver & Son.

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