The Great Siege Tunnels

Below; view across to La Linea from a gun port.




Right; "powder monkey" on watch. Centre; Scale display of digging in blind end of tunnel.







Bottom; Gun embrasure

The tunnels were mainly built between 1779 and 1783 to defend the Rock from a joint attack by the Spanish and French Armies. By the time the seige had been successfully overcome in 1783 the tunnels were over 370ft. long - totally cut out by hand using pick axe and spade with judicious use of dynamite where possible.

It was originally intended to provide access to a higher plateau where guns were to be placed but when a ventilation point was cut through the face it was realised that they offered tremendous sites for cannon and other embrasures were ordered to be cut out. It was not until the end of the siege that the tunnel was eventually completed, driven downwards when it was realised what advantage was offered by the site, terminating in a large chamber called St George's Hall where a battery of 7 guns was installed. After the siege the Commander of the French and Spanish forces, The Duc de Crillon, was invited to look at the tunnels and observed "These works are worthy of the Romans"

In the 2nd. World War the tunnels were extended by 30 miles by British and Canadian engineers.