Niemann Smith's handwritten comments on the reverse of his drawing of Higham Tunnel. 1889. Pencil. Complete drawing: 6 3/4 x 4 7/8 inches. Private collection. Provenance: Abbott & Holder, Museum Street, London.
On back of drawing: "Western Entrance to Higham Tunnel on North Kent Railway originally constructed between Gravesend & Strood for the Gravesend & Rochester Canal which was converted into a railway about 1850 — were it not for an uncovered portion of about 100 yards in middle it would be abt the longest Railway tunnel in England[.] 20/4/89. N Smith."
Jacky Rodger writes on 1 November 2005: "The inscription on the back of this drawing reads 'Gravesend & Strood'. I'm from the Strood area (and commuted to school thru the tunnel) and have always had difficulties convincing people it exists. This inscription may also explain the strange error in 'Pickwick Papers': this also quotes the town as 'Stroud', and yet Dickens lived in the area much of his life (Chatham & Gad's Hill). Perhaps this too was a Q of handwriting and London typesetters?" Many thanks! [GPL]
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Last modified 2 November 2005