approximately in 1796 Steam engines of the Newcomen type coupled to reciprocated pump were utilized in the engine house at Red Brook and elsewhere for the drainage of the working levels inside the tunnel's while being dug, A small quantity of water was discharged into the top of the pumping shaft at Red Brook falling as a fine spray and thereby inducing a strong draught of air down the shaft and into the workings far below to help the workers breathe fresh air . This ventilation system had continued in use during the construction of all three tunnels , Both shafts are now covered by steel mesh for safety we tried looking down but found it to dark to photograph
It felt very scary and uneasy stood on the grating covering the very very deep shafts
History ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standedge_Tunnels
The outside
Now were in
Trying to look down
Stood above a deep shaft (scary)
Impossible to see down but very deep
South wall
Part of the drainage culvert
Shaft to a culvert
Stone walls
Plenty of under growth
Needs further investigation
