Tidbit: Tunnels

This week I've been researching the Dover Tunnels, a huge network of tunnels dug beneath Dover Castle. With the threat of Napoleon attacking, the town of Dover became a garrison town. There was a huge need for barracks and storerooms for the men and their equipment. Where to put it all? Under the ground, of course.

A complex maze of barracks were dug below the cliff top and the first troops moved in and settled in 1803. The tunnels housed more than 2,000 men.

But even more interesting is the woman, Mary Ford. The history books don't say who she is, but she was clearly familiar with the tunnels at the time. . . and quite possibly the men. I don't think ol' Mary was a choir girl. She carved in the wall the oldest bit graffiti to be found in the tunnels. It says "Mary Ford 1807" and you can see it here.

The tunnels weren't the only thing being built at the time. The Grand Shaft was a 140 foot triple staircase linking the town to the forts. Triple. As in 3 super freaking cool spiral-type stairs that went on and on and on, winding clockwise, one above the other, down a central light and ventilation shaft. It took 3 years to build. It was supposed to get troops from the barracks down to the harbor in a quick-slap hurry in case of invasion by Napoleon.

But Napoleon never came, so guess what those naughty boys used it for? Getting to the pubs and brothels of Snargate Street.

I think there just might be a story in here somewhere.