Walking Beneath the Thames: The Greenwich & Woolwich Foot Tunnels

[@lindasueanderson8024]

On our first trip to London years ago we were walking in the Greenwich tunnel and we could hear the sounds of the Beatles’ tune “I get by with a little help from my friends” echoing down the tunnel. We soon came upon a musician who was singing and playing the guitar. I put some change into his guitar case and he responded with “cheers luv.” And I knew London would always be my favorite city in the world…and even having had seen many more cities since then, it has never ceased being the place I most want to be.

[@Robslondon]

A beautiful comment. Thank you for sharing ☺️

[@MrAronRobinson]

Thank you from a Greenwich resident who uses the foot tunnel every day and always just took it for granted. Will be a bit prouder of using it now.

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thank you! That means a lot to me.

[@TheByard]

I worked in tunneling since 1960, the first one I worked in was the enlargement of a BR empty carriage tunnel at Chalk Farm the works were to remove cast iron segments, excavate out and install new cast iron lining to the larger diameter. This tunnel is no longer in use. The next project was the repair of the Northern Outfall sewers that run through a road and rail bridge at West Ham. The sewer had been bombed in WWII and repaired using tunnel segments with flanges and bolts on the inside. This made cleaning difficult and was a hang up point. New bridge beams were installed, and smooth inner segments were fitted one line at a time so as not to stop flows to Beckton. I worked on the initial survey of the Victoria Line Tube at Euston Station, we checked the exact positions of existing tube tunnels and crossed referenced them to the streets and buildings above ground. This was carried out at night and as you can imagine there are many stories of what happens then. Plus we had the "Fluffer" gangs to deal with in the existing tunnels. The fluffers were a team of ladies who walked through the tunnels cleaning the brake dust off the segment ledges, they chatted away all the time. The first time you hear them coming is quite aery, as it's a low getting louder as they approached. They have now been replaced with a machine. Later in Life I became a Senior Inspector of Works for Motts and worked on the DLR Bank Station extension tunnels. Stayed at the Ibis Hotel in Greenwich and walked the Greenwich tunnel twice a day for a year catching the DLR to Tower Gateway. Also worked on the Blackwall Tunnel refurbishment, peeling off those damaged white tiles and replacing them with Formica. Installing new Fire equipment and new walkways. So have spent many years under London and other city's around the UK and the world. The last being the Kuala Lumper Metro, Malaysia in 2015. Now retired in Vietnam but still digging, but this time only the garden. Thanks for posting and keeping me in touch with London, helps dust off a few memories.

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment. I really enjoyed reading that, thank you. You could probably write a book about your work and experiences...

[@TheByard]

Have worked on several tunnels under rivers in UK & Canada, Suez Canal and Storebealt in Denmark. So, tunneling did me well.@@Robslondon

[@gigteevee6118]

@@TheByard Really interesting comment, thanks for sharing your memories!

[@juanc424]

Another wonderful and interesting video, Rob! I had to chuckle at the shots of large red signs saying "NO CYCLING" and at the same time a cyclist going full speed down the tunnel.

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! 😉

[@markshrimpton3138]

I noticed that too.

[@markshrimpton3138]

Thanks for mentioning Will Crooks. He was one of those self-driven, determined people to whom we owe a lot. On a lighthearted note, if we never see or hear from you again Rob we’ll know you’re stuck in a time loop down in the Woolwich foot tunnel.

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! I made it out ok Mark ;-) Will Crooks was a legend, I have great respect for him- if only we had more politicians like that today.

[@markshrimpton3138]

@@Robslondon any politicians of his drive and calibre today would be welcomed.

[@Rachel-bo3qg]

Another fascinating journey into London's hidden gems! Well done Rob 👍

[@Robslondon]

😊

[@barbarahannon6033]

I have walked through these tunels many times, ( Woolwhich more than Greenwich) and they are both very spookey and unsettling even more so when there is no one down there,

[@joanfreestone1707]

I've lived in Australia for 63 years but I can remember walking through the Greenwich foot tunnel as a little girl with my parents. My aunt and uncle lived in Greewich just opposite the Cutty Sark. Thanks for all the information on the other foot tunnels.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Joan, thank you :-)

[@chrisruff2043]

Great insight Rob’ coming out of that tunnel so near to the “Cutty” would be a great first time experience… I’ll be all over that in the summer, loved the cyclist going through just as the ‘No Cycling’ paint was fading.. well captured 🫵👍

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Cheers Chris... it was easy to capture to be honest as so many people do it!! ;-)

[@SlinkShady]

I lived in Lewisham from 2019 to 2021 and used the Greenwich foot tunnel frequently as I used to love walking, and cycling, along the the Thames path all the way to Tower Bridge (and further when on my bike) on the north side and back along the south side. I also walked around the Isle of Dogs occasionally usually walking up the west side to London Wall and across to the East side opposite the Dome and back down to the tunnel. I also used to occasionally cycle to Woolwich (and sometimes almost all the way to Erith), again along the Thames path, on the south side and then through the Woolwich foot tunnel and cycle back to the Greenwich foot tunnel on the north side. I really miss those walks and rides. It made living in Lewisham almost bearable! LOL. The lifts at Woolwich were working back then.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thank you!

[@bettycollins3960]

This brought back memories of when my friend and i used to cycle up to Blackheath from Lewisham and then take the road down to Greenwich, past the Cutty Sark and use the tunnel to go over to the gardens. This was in about 1962. The lift was operated by the lift man and we would wait until he ascended out of sight and scoot our bikes down the slope. Unlike those in your film, we would never dream of actually cycling down! I was so pleased to see that the Gardens are still there. Happy days ❤

[@Robslondon]

Wonderful comment Betty. Thank you.

[@jasonsmart3482]

When i was a small child we lived in Blackheath and mum would often take us to the wonderful Greenwich Park. I remember so well the day we went down this tunnel, mostly I remember my excitement going down the steps into the tunnel, I think i was a bit scared as well. I must have been 8 or 9 but its stuck with me that memory for coming up to 40 years.

[@Robslondon]

Such a lovely comment Jason, thank you for sharing that :-)

[@petercalthorpe7966]

G'day Rob, wow you took me back 61 years ago . Like aloof us in the 60s we left sckool at 14 and a half years old. My dad got me a job in demolition that's what he used to do . I worked on the Isle of Dogs cutting up old river Barges , to get there i walked the Greenwich tunnel twice a day , the old lift could probably cary twenty people and had a lift operator. If i missed the lift i used to race it to the bottom 🤣🤣. Two buses home to Loughborough jct brixton . The slipway where i worked wasn't too far from the exit at the Isle of Dogs just opposite a pub which i can't remember it's mame. Thanks for the memory, i showed my children and the tunnel looked scary🤣🤣🤣. Didn't come across any ghosts. All the best form down under Rob. 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment and memories Peter, thank you- really enjoyed reading that ;-)

[@annwarner4040]

I walked woolich tunnel many times as a kid if mum and I missed the free ferry,even was in labor years later on my way back to Manor Park..Loved that tunnel and the old ferry,live in NZ now so thankyou for the video,was wonderful to watch ❤

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you!

[@robbojax2025]

I used the Woolwich tunnel a lot when I was young. Happy memories

[@Robslondon]

😊

[@joloy5394]

I love the way you take me back to my childhood and old stomping grounds. I remember walking the tunnel to the Isle of Dogs in the 60s, it was kind of a challenge, a dare with those who you were walking with you made up stories. My Red Bus Rover days :o)

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Lovely comment, cheers ;-)

[@davehustwayte689]

Hi Rob, Hope you are keeping well, Many thanks again for another fantastic stream, Excellent quality and a great watch, Thanks again

[@Robslondon]

I really, really appreciate that Dave, thank you so much for your kindness 😊

[@flickpad]

I remember visiting the Greenwich tunnel when I was in my teens. Bizarrely, despite having used the Woolwich Ferry on lots of occasions, I didn't know there was a separate foot tunnel at Woolwich. I have heard the Woolwich Tunnel mentioned, but for some reason, I've always supposed that they meant the Greenwich Tunnel. I'm going to have to pay it a visit now.

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Get down there 😉

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Do! Fewer people than the Greenwich, the slightest sound can give you a jolt if you let it.

[@spitfire1962]

Rode through the Rotherhithe tunnel on a bike as a kid, but wouldn’t advise doing that now. Driving through it in a car the car suddenly steams up about two thirds of the way through! Have walked and cycled through both Greenwich and Woolwich tunnels as a kid too, plus as an adult I have worked in the Woolwich tunnel as it had a VF cell site in it.

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. I worked on the Canary Wharf project back in the 90’s and drove through Rotherhythe Tunnel regularly… pre cameras. An interesting place to live in those days and a very fitting tribute to the East London tunnels. Thanks mate.

[@Robslondon]

Pre-cameras... what I'd give for those days again!! Cheers Doug ;-)

[@dougknight1720]

@@Robslondon you could certainly drive through the Tunnel quicker then too. Traffic was lighter

[@andicheese1763]

Another excellent video Rob. It brings back memories of my time as a kid with days out to Woolwich. We would get the ferry one way and the tunnel the opposite way. It was always such fun. Also Greenwich where we would take the bus there ine or two of us would go under the tunnel and we would then wave to them from the opposite bank. A trip round the Cutty Sark and then an afternoon in Greenwich Park. After home for tea and lashings of ginger beer. My old man was a docker for 28 years so we would frequently visit the bridges and tunnels. I have notbdone the Woolwich one for a while but do the Greenwich one a couple of times a year. So that has to be my favourite one with a pint or two in a pub in Greenwich. Thanks for the research.

[@Robslondon]

Absolutely beautiful comment Andi, thank you

[@stephendavies6949]

I've used the Greenwich Tunnel but not the Woolwich. I've used the ferry though, so you may well be correct as to why it's lightly patronised. Bridges are few & far between as you head east. I seem to recall Jago Hazzard walking through the Rotherhide Tunnel. I got to be honest, I was afraid for him! I'm surprised - in these risk adverse & nanny-state times - it's still allowed. An excellent and entertaining - infortainment - video. Back in the 90s, I used the Blackwall tunnel regularly. Scared the life out of me.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Stephen! Yes, it's not the ideal place to walk through; I did it a few years ago and will have to again when it comes to making a video on it! Cheers ;-)

[@stephendavies6949]

@@Robslondon Yes, I'll be tuning in for that.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

​@@RobslondonLet's make a party of it. I'm sure that we've all still got a Covid mask or two in a sock drawer and we can toast our success half way with hip flasks. And Fisherman's Friends!

[@rickyfoofighter4926]

Another perfect video Rob. Your channel has truly been one of the greatest finds on KZbin. Also, cheers for the Jimmy pic. I was so happy to see it pop up on our TV. Can't wait for the next video now 😊 thanks once again for taking me back to my home town. 🙌😊

[@Robslondon]

That means so much to me Ricky, thank you my friend. Stay well.

[@gigteevee6118]

Only recently discovered the joy of the Woolwich Ferry, and noticed the tunnel options when visiting, will definitely try them out ❤

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@johnmcgaw2753]

Thanks for the interesting video and well-researched history. I stumbled across the Greenwich foot tunnel quite by accident on my first ever visit to London just last Autumn. I hope to get back for some more wandering explorations come Spring. Perhaps I can manage to walk south in the Woolwich tunnel and back via the Greenwich just for sake of completeness. I've found your videos to be an inspiration to visit the city again despite my long aversion to big crowded cities and London is nothing if no big and crowded.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you for such a lovely comment John. Hope you make it back here soon

[@daveboss2994]

Wonderful informative and entertaining. One of my ancestors was one of the first lift operators on the Island side. Brilliant video ❤

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Dave- a great piece of history to be connected to 😉

[@sharonleong7120]

Great sharing. I enjoyed watching it and loved it as always. Thank you Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you !

[@richardcoombes9491]

well done rob great work as always great vlog

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Richard! Hope you're keeping well.

[@richardcoombes9491]

hi rob all ok thanks my friend hope all ok with u @@Robslondon

[@Robslondon]

All good thanks mate @@richardcoombes9491

[@andycooke6231]

The Woolwich tunnel used to be well used on foggy days which used to be far more common as this would cause the ferry service to be suspended.

[@rolandgibbs9036]

Woolwich foot tunnel. I had no idea it existed. My next landmark visit. Thanks mate. Happy New Year and subscribed sir.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Roland! Good to have you here 😉

[@nilo70]

Thank You Rob for making this happen

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure nilo, thank you for watching!

[@MvPruett003]

Love your content, Rob! Listening to you calmly describe offbeat London history is one of my favorite things to do after a long day. Would you ever consider making your pigeon mascot a sticker? I'd love to put them on my water bottle ☺

[@Robslondon]

That’s so kind of you MvPruett, many thanks indeed! I truly appreciate your kind words and support. I have thought about making merchandise with the logo but haven’t gotten around to it yet- I need to make the time!! 😖 Thanks again and stay well.

[@PhoenixWormwood137]

Hi from Canada! I've only had the opportunity to visit London once, as a kid, but I love learning more about it through your channel. Thanks for the interesting historical tidbits! There's something so calming about watching your videos!

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you so much! I was in Canada a few months ago (I have relatives there); beautiful country ;-)

[@tracyfryer8153]

Brilliant look at those tunnels well done for the footwork they are deep and with lifts out you must be fit❤️ Lush to catch this now as well Personally I prefer overground so would have to seek out a bridge 🤭❤️

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Tracy…. I’m well into my 40s and it was a bit of a walk 😉

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

I can recommend the Woolwich ferry. You don't even have hard benches and diesel filled air for the foot passengers anymore in the new ones!

[@beatleboy0195]

Woolwich tunnel a regular haunt for me and friends back in the 70's

[@pj_naylor]

When I lived in Mile End, one Sunday I decided to walk down to Greenwich - so it was nice to see the tunnel again, and hear about its history. Thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you for watching!

[@rogercook6360]

Another great piece of London's history and a memory jogger as I walked through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel a few years ago. Also for a while I was a volunteer on Isambard Kingdom Brunel's SS Great Britain iron hulled ship in Bristol Harbour and at the time was fascinated by all things Brunel including the Thames Tunnel designed by Marc Isambard Brunel, this being the first tunnel in the world under water, and as you said in your production is still used today as an Overground railway tunnel ! Changing the subject could I please suggest a future video on the magnificent Crossness Pumping Station, ideally when the beam engine is in steam, plus if possible in the same production the inclusion of the other London steam beam engine at Kew. I'm really glad that "I stopped by" for a look at this video... Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Roger, thank you. Yes, the Crossness Pumping station is an excellent idea; I'll add it to my list! Cheers and stay well.

[@djtraxxehv1058]

Very interesting mate! Thank you for the info.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you!

[@HeimirTomm]

Yet again Rob, thank you for a brilliant piece. You never fail to entertain and inform.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated, thank you! ☺️

[@deborahingles9392]

Very interesting stories about the foot tunnels.... some one should and probs already does do tours with these in mind as it would be eerie indeed.... you should think about giving tours for these vlogs too... cheers Debz from Oz hopefully one day I can explore too in London many of the places you show us....

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks so much Debz! lovely comment. I did used to give tours some years ago, back when I was a London cabbie... it's a bit difficult to fit them in now though! Hope you make it here sometime ;-) Thanks again.

[@roberttaylor6295]

My absence must not be taken as being uninterested but rather that the rare appearance of sun 'up north' has seen me in the garden garnering some Vitamin D! As ever, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into yet more scary London places perfectly researched and presented! Rob

[@Robslondon]

Ah! Enjoy the sun Robert, it's a rare thing nowadays ;-) I'm about to head up north myself very soon- catching a train somewhere later today.... which may well be where my next video comes from ;-) Stay well.

[@skp7577]

I used both tunnels when I was growing up. I used the Woolwich one more than the Greenwich one but I used the Woolwich Ferry more than the tunnel.

[@Robslondon]

The ferry is certainly more pleasant! ;-)

[@roberttaylor6295]

I have no idea how you can do so much research. It is so thorough, gripping and ultimately enjoyable, there are surely not enough hours in the day!. There is a hidden danger for me as well: they are so well done and enjoyable that it has turned me into a Rob addict that I have to control myself from spending all day searching for one - Lol! Yet is such a pleasurable addiction that it will not be cured, and I so look forward to them continuing ad infinitum. Thank you from the man with the same moniker - Rob

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! You've just made my day with that comment, Rob :-D Really glad to have you as a friend of the channel; truly appreciate your kind words and support.

[@nueilly33]

Used the Greenwich Tunnel many times in the 1960s travelling from Lewisham to the Isle of Dogs, to visit my Grandparents. Loved looking at the hull of the Cutty Sark in it's dry dock. Can still remember the damp woody smell of the tunnel and the spiral staircase. The elevator felt luxurious and mahogany panelled, with an attendant. No graffiti or litter. Just the odd worrying puddle on the stone flags. I've always imagined it to be a claustrophobic muggers paradise in later years. Ahh London.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment, thank you!

[@garybrockwell2031]

Good one Rob, great time the 1880s💪we owe a debt of gratitude to the powerful Irish navi.. Brute strength built a lot of our city's and railways, great picture of that fella, you wouldn't argue with that one... At the end about animals?? Does this mean you can't walk your dogs down there? I saw the no cycling, and see the bike's.... Just wondering?? Thanks good work by you ....🇬🇧💪💯🎬🤩

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Gary! The bikes are always tearing through there….

[@garybrockwell2031]

Didn't see any dog walker's?

[@johnmurphy5179]

Thanks robs great video

[@Robslondon]

Thank you John

[@paulwilson7234]

Another excellent Sunday evening video.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you!

[@TransportNut89]

Another gem of a video Rob! Have never "walked" either tunnel. Having mobility issues it makes it difficult, but now having a mobility buggy, it makes things easier. So need to traverse the Greenwich tunnel soon, so long as both lifts are behaving themselves

[@Robslondon]

Thanks! Hope you get a visit in soon ;-)

[@stevenm9067]

Had to use the foot tunnel often as the ferry was taking too long. Back over 20 years ago had to regular fly in and out of London City airport. There was no rail link across the river from Kent and Silvertown was a couple of hundred yards from the airport entrance. Was quicker to get off at Woolwich Arsenal and take this route than go all the way into London and double back.

[@basfinnis]

Thank you Rob for another wonderful upload. So much interesting information. I'll have to catch up on your other uploads. Sadly other things getting in the way of watching them but I'll get started 😉

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

You're in for a treat or twelve!

[@thetragicyouth]

Sunday evening bliss! These videos are at once informative and relaxing - a very difficult balancing act to pull off, but you manage it with great panache, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

I truly can’t express how much that means to me. That is the atmosphere I’m aiming for, so thank you Tragicyouth! I really appreciate your support

[@Jpkjr52]

Thanks again John in Chicago

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John

[@adrianrutterford762]

Fascinating as always. Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ☺️

[@jakeandrews-iz4wf]

Another quality video, meticulously researched, incredibly well presented, thanks so much for your hard work. xo

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Jake, thank you!

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Very enjoyable clip Rob. Nice to know about the bloke who had a ferry named after him (the boats before the boats recently replaced) 👍 I grew up on Shooter's Hill and haven't ever heard of 'South Woolwich' .... there's Woolwich and there's North Woolwich. Apparently, the reason dates back to 1066 and all that. One of William 1sts henchmen controlled river traffic for his boss. Spooked in the tunnel? No. Caught short after a skinful .... different question!!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha, cheers Howard 😉

[@adrianevans1764]

Thanks Rob. Look forward to walking them.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Adrian, have fun!

[@annereidy7981]

Thank you Rob, what amazing things they built back then and how they have endured. Love these histories of the creative and determined people of the past.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Anne 😄

[@anthonyross-702]

Sundays with Rob. Love it.

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Anthony; great to have you here ☺️

[@patjackson8649]

Fascinating video, thank you! When the Greenwich section appeared I immediately thought, ‘oh, I’ve seen that before,’ and when you mentioned/showed Ethan Russell’s portrait of Jimmy from the Quadrophenia album, it clicked 😄

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thank you! ;-)

[@mandiemckinnon2874]

Thanks for this video! I don’t know if it’s still going but there was (pre-pandemic) an apothecary garden where you could have cocktails and also go to a presentation in what was the original entrance to the Thames tunnel. It’s next to the Brunel museum in Rotherhithe. If it’s still going it’s a magical and interesting evening!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! I don't know about that garden, but I hope it's still there, sounds lovely :-)

[@dcasteaux9181]

I worked in the Shell Centre in London in the 1980s. Was shown a foot tunnel that had huge (water-tight?) doors that went under the Thames or so I was told.

[@Robslondon]

Wow… I need to know more! 😉

[@dcasteaux9181]

@@Robslondon Not sure where this tunnel lead to... was rumoured to be Shell Mex house on the Strand but I cannot verify that. The tunnel was pedestrianised - carpeted and well lit. Same size as tube tunnel so quite large. Quite busy so in daily use but by staff only. Only saw it once as was being shown around at the time - I noted the huge circular steel door at the tunnel entrance. I recall it was deep underground - no windows of course. I was a contactor at the Shell Centre - today they are now posh flats. Perhaps an ex-Shell employed can elaborate? But I definitely saw it - not dreaming or exaggerating!!!

[@jane.c.c]

Used those classy lifts in Greenwich foot tunnel as a kid, with uniformed attendants in toe, who would open and close the iron, accordion like gates by sliding them all the way along the lifts opening width.. Happy memories..

[@Robslondon]

Nice ;-) Thanks Jane

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Likewise Aldwych tube and attendant operated lifts with the wonderful musty smell like Grandma's Larder! Bostwick scissor gates if you wanted to know.

[@jane.c.c]

@@JP_TaVeryMuch Bostwick scissor gates. Thanks, I've learned something new..

[@gilltagg3352]

I was only on the cable car with my granddaughter back in August. Was an experience and the view from up there was a sight! It did rock as was breezy day. Not for the faint hearted. Great video yet again, thank you soooooo much! ❤

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Cheers 😉

[@greerbox]

I echo the other comments re: cycling. Apparently when you don lycra or a food delivery rucksack you go colour blind (traffic lights) and the ability to read ( no cycling signs).

[@Robslondon]

🤣

[@JPB-1976]

Another fascinating episode mate. Thanks for all your hard work. 🍻

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure Jamie, thanks for watching!

[@claremaidofthewave251]

Fascinating, thanks Rob love your videos, as someone who lived in South London for 16 years back in the late 80’s to 2002. Wish I knew then all your info. Really like to see the connections to films, arts, music, books etc. all the best 😎🤩👌🏻x

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Clare 🙂

[@sockstarnik]

Visited both quite recently. Only found out about the Woolwich one by chance really. Found the Woolwich one to be less intense in a way

[@Robslondon]

I do know what you mean, the Greenwich one can be too busy

[@dereham1]

Another quality video - thank you, Rob 🙂

[@Robslondon]

Thank you dereham :-)

[@stephenreardon2698]

If I were wanting a new foot tunnel in London I would look at reinstating the King William Street tunnel

[@Robslondon]

That's an excellent idea.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Unfortunately the recent new bore Northern line tunnel at Bank and a construction emergency escape route for the, what was it £700M Bank station improvements have all served to bash through into a fair bit of the tunnels. Sorry, re-engineered the configuration, ahem. Then there's the little problem of the fact that the sump pumps from the Eighties are either kyboshed or switched off, so it's flooded. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Still it's (nearly) all still there including the conversion to a private air raid shelter - with _plumbed in loos_ no less! All can be seen in an episode of the Siddy and Tim show on Yesterday channel.

[@rjb6165]

Good evening Rob, I have just watched your video and it was fantastic, your research is second to none. This really brought back memories of when I first properly started to discover London in the early 90s and my first trip down to Greenwich via the river boat. Keep up the good work, I learn so much.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you for such a lovely comment; much appreciated

[@karltalbot2597]

Cheers Rob, another great episode. Keep up the good work.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Karl; much appreciated 😉

[@SLane249]

I used the Woolwich foot tunnel many years ago when working in south London. I used to have "races" with other travellers to see how many people I could beat to the other end. I realised after a while there were other people doing the same thing! Happy days :)

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@karlkastor]

Interesting video. They feel like a smaller version of the Elbtunnel in Hamburg, Germany

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Karl. I've not seen the Elbtunnel, would very much like to though!

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Beautifully put together, your very best production yet... Mæstro! Fond(iish) memories coming in from Loughton in the van in the early nineties to find the one ferry out of service. Lugging my toolbox through this dank toothpaste tube that never ends (especially on the way back) still somehow didn't put me off the amazing engineering. Thank you for taking me down memory err tube.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thanks very much!

[@paulmerryman]

Another great journey into the unknown Rob. Keep up the great work.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Paul, much appreciated!

[@smgreenartsprivate]

I had seen them when I lived in the area but too claustrophobic to go in and walk them. It's a shame money isn't spent to improve their use these days they make trains smaller and useful. Thanks Rob brings memories this does :)

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thank you! And yes, it would be nice to see some improvement, they could do some interesting things with the space down there... Stay well.

[@darrenbertram7289]

I went through the Greenwich foot tunnel last year. At first I thought it would be a mugger's paradise but it's way too busy for that. Never heard of the Woolwich one, will have to go and investigate. Cheers, Rob! 🙂

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Darren! The Woolwich one has more of an air of menace though...

[@tomhandle]

Woolwich foot tunnel is a great place to run lengths off when it is very hot or snowing outisde.

[@Robslondon]

Yes!!

[@louisegalczynski5902]

Another excellent video Rob! I don’t think I’ve ever been in either tunnel and don’t know an awful lot about their history so this was really interesting ❤

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Louise ☺️

[@Nils_Martin]

Brilliant as always 👍🏼

[@Robslondon]

Cheers!

[@skilloskillington1628]

Great stuff as always Rob!

[@Robslondon]

Cheers 😉

[@grogalot2]

Thanks for another interesting and enjoyable video

[@Robslondon]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@UntappedShesources]

You are probably my favorite you tuber out honestly! I have never been to the UK or out of the US I live in California and I am probably your biggest fan girl 🎉😂 love you keep doing what you do please!❤❤❤thank you!!!

[@Robslondon]

Ah, that means so much to me, thank you! Really appreciate your kind words; hope you make it to the UK someday :-)

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Many thanks, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@davidwormleighton2839]

Terrific video rob always so informative, well done mate, stay safe David 👍👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@capturedlondon]

Thanks

[@Robslondon]

That is so kind of you! Many thanks indeed; much appreciated. Stay well and enjoy the weekend.

[@capturedlondon]

@@Robslondon I love the passion and so much research you put into your videos! Enjoy a pint (or half a pint in London 😂)

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me Nicholas, thank you my friend! @@capturedlondon

[@johncochrane2707]

Great video Rob, I'm too claustrophobic for foot tunnels I'm afraid.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John… they are pretty claustrophobic!

[@Gazellekaz]

Thanks for another great video Rob. If I could have another tunnel under the river I'd put it beside Westminster Bridge, to separate all the selfie takers from the people who just want to get across the river. That bridge gets waaay too crowded.

[@Robslondon]

Superb idea! And thank you

[@roomullan3050]

Amazing the ferry docking ramps are still there

[@Robslondon]

Yep! 😉

[@ChrisSmith-ls7mb]

Hello Rob Excellent video. Love the history of the different tunnels. Have you visited the Brunnel museum it is small but very interesting museum. We have done the Greenwich tunnel a couple of times. Woohoo booked our vacation will be in London late June. Thanks and take care Chris and Sandra of Canada.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks guys! I’m hoping to do an entire video on Brunel’s London soon…

[@richardsingh5827]

Interesting video. I hope to go in one of those tunnels but maybe not the Rotherhithe one.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Richard- I think that would be wise!

[@outdooradventures8773]

Great stuff 👻, Love your videos

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that, thank you!

[@john1703]

Splendid. The Americans liked the bridges so much that one of them bought one and rebuilt it in Arizona.

[@Robslondon]

He did indeed 😄

[@who9387]

Some school mates and I used to walk through this tunnel back in the 60's from Woolwich to Nth Woolwich but problem was there was bugger all over there except desolation. Must be a bit of a bummer cycling through it as have to carry the bike down and then up all the stairs.

[@Robslondon]

🤣

[@DaveSCameron]

Nice work Sir. 📚☘️🙏🇬🇧

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated, thank you!

[@dirtywaterpj_dj]

I’m old enough to remember the lift operator. But when were the lifts modernised and the lift attendants no longer employed?

[@Robslondon]

That's a good question, I don't know the answer... maybe someone else here will?

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Fourth time of trying to post this. 2012.

[@k9killer221]

I think tunnels are a great idea. There have been multiple ferry disasters even recently because when the fog comes in vessels can and do collide.

[@michaelj3282]

Mant happy memories of Friday and nights in Greenwich with my mate Jeff who lived on Isle of Dogs (I lived in Kilburn at the time). Early 90s, Thanks for the vids Rob, brings back loads of memories from my time in "The Smoke".

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Michael, thank you!

[@Roland-pw5xj]

I'm familiar with Will Crook's headstone in Tower Hamlets cemetery, so it's good to learn more about him. According to his epitaph, "He lived and died a servant of the people".

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Roland- he was a great man, I developed a real respect for him whilst researching this video.

[@MichaelCampin]

The Woolwich Tunnel brings you out at Cypress in East London. Ideal to get to East Ham and hence the District line.

[@Robslondon]

Yep