(Photos 1-8 © TheNewMendoza,
photo 9 © Kevin Fellowes/www.picturethepast.org.uk)

Built for the Derbyshire & Staffordshire Extension of the Great Northern Railway, Mapperley's 1,132-yard tunnel cuts through a ridge to the north-east of Nottingham, around 80 feet below ground. It was brought into use in 1875.

On 23rd January 1925, a collapse triggered by mining subsidence brought down a 12-yard long section of roof, blocking the line with around 150 tonnes of rubble. Whilst repairs were carried out, traffic was diverted along the Nottingham Suburban Railway which took a roughly parallel course further to the west.

The tunnel was repaired but the continuing effects of subsidence resulted in the imposition of speed restrictions during the 1950s. Closure came on 4th April 1960.

Although the western portal is now buried, the eastern end remains open. The tunnel itself has been backfilled from a point just to the west of the second ventilation shaft. A vast amount of rubbish has been thrown down this shaft, creating an extraordinary junk tower.

Brick lined, the remaining tunnel's roof has been strengthened with ribs. Refuges are plentiful and the bore is generally dry except for occasional pools where water penetrates the lining. The structure is a recognised bat roost.

In July 2007, the East Midlands Development Agency issued a tender for investigation work in the tunnel connected with the redevelopment of the Gedling Colliery site, a former seat of industry which was served by the railway until closure in 1991.

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