Description

COATES -
SO 90 SE
at NGR 96620058
2/1 Sapperton Canal Tunnel (south
entrance) on former Thames
and Severn Canal
4.6.52
(formerly listed in Sapperton Parish)
GV II *
South entrance to Sapperton Canal Tunnel. 1789, restored in c1980,
bronze inscription plaque in centre reads: "Coates Portal Sapperton
Tunnel 1789/" (rest indecipherable). Engineer Robert Whitworth. Rock faced
and vermiculated masonry in very large blocks, coursed, with freestone dressings.
Semi-circular arch about 1.5m high at apex from towpath, with
keystone and voussoirs set into band. Flanking arch are round-
headed niches with blind roundel over, engaged Doric columns with
entablature rising to string course running across top with
brackets below. Domed cap above, over each column and central
nearly square panel with scrolled decoration to each side and
moulded cornice in shape of very shallow pediment. Face of portal
breaks forward to outer side of columns. At time of construction this was
the longest tunnel in the world.

Listing NGR: SO9661500601

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q99671074

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  County Durham (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England) by Elizabeth Williamson Nikolaus Pevsner(1983-03-11)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version