Forgotten Tunnel Near Leeds Bradford Airport Revealed!

This is Bramhope Tunnel and the interesting things around it.
Bramhope Tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Harrogate Line in West Yorkshire, England, known for its length and distinctive north portal. It's located between Horsforth station and the Arthington Viaduct. Construction took place from 1845 to 1849 by the Leeds and Thirsk Railway.
Here's a more detailed look at the tunnel:
Length and Construction:
It's 2.138 miles (3.441 km) long, making it one of the longest railway tunnels in Britain. Construction involved digging 20 shafts and using explosives to excavate rock.
North Portal:
The tunnel's north portal is a Grade II listed structure, designed with crenellations and turrets to resemble a castle, partly to please a local landowner.
Navvies:
Thousands of workers, known as navvies, and their families lived locally during construction. The tunnel's construction resulted in the fatalities of 24 men, commemorated by a monument in Otley churchyard.
Modern Use:
The tunnel remains in active use today, carrying trains between Leeds and Harrogate. It has undergone repairs and upgrades to accommodate modern trains.
Challenges:
The tunnel has experienced issues with flooding and was the site of a train derailment due to an icicle.
Historical Significance:
The tunnel is a reminder of the scale of railway construction in the 19th century and the hardships faced by the workers.

We were on a walk and passed Leeds Bradford Airport, A folly and beautiful views.

The Folly I found was in fact a sighting tower, constructed so the architects could check that the construction works were in line.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...