The Tar Tunnel

The Tar tunnel is an intriguing feature of the Ironbridge Gorge. Located along the banks of the River Severn in the Village of Coalport, the tunnel starts near the foot of the Hay Inclined Plane and runs for at least 1000 yards.

The tunnel was dug from the hillside in 1787 - probably in connection with the nearby coal workings. The miners struck a gushing underground spring of thick, treacle-like natural bitumen that was one of the great curiosities of the eighteenth century and still oozes from the walls today. It was used to treat ropes and for caulking ships however small amounts of the bitumen was processed, bottled and packaged as 'Betton's British Oil'. It was sold as a remedy for 'rheumatic and scorbutic affections'.

Dare you enter this narrow, dimly lit tunnel to see a geological curiosity? Don't forget to pick up your hard hat!