Politician and railway developer. Born in Salford. His many projects include the expansion of the London Underground Metropolitan Line and the construction of the Great Central Railway. He also started to dig a Channel Tunnel in 1880. Excavations reached a length of 2020 yards (1,850 metres) but were halted because of fears it would provide the means of a French invasion. In spite of his providing a champagne reception in the tunnel for many prominent people, the project was finally blocked by parliament.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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