GEORGE STEPHENSON (1781-1848)

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GEORGE STEPHENSON (1781-1848)
Autograph letter signed ("Geo. Stephenson") and countersigned ("Henry R. Palmer"), to the Directors of the Great Western Railway Company, one page, 4to., 18 Fleedyer St, March 31 1835.
There had been a great deal of controversy and unnecessary alarm on the safety and merits of the tunnel at Box. This letter from Stephenson confirms his faith in Brunel's capacity as an engineer.
"In consequence of an application to us from Mr. Brunel, we feel it our duty to state to you, that in making the preference of the shorter, and steeper Plane through the Hill at Box, Mr. Brunel had our concurrence." Creased on folds.

Lot Essay

The tunnel at Box was nearly two miles long and was by far the greatest railway tunnel so far attempted. Brunel had planned it upon an incline of 1 in 100 which provoked much scepticism, it was described as 'monstrous,' 'extraordinary,' 'most dangerous' and 'impracticable.'
In June 1841, the tunnel was completed and the railway from London to Bristol opened.

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