NHER 12450 (Monument record) - 19th century tunnel under Whitlingham Lane

Tunnel under Whitlingham Lane.
Around 7ft (2.1m) from earth floor to crown of vault; red brick, of late 18th century - early 19th century type. East end almost completely covered by dumped earth brought from the Garlands site in Norwich (and now used as a ski slope). Originally a simple opening. West end more elaborate, set in a curving wall with shaped top; but has been partially blocked by the insertion of a yellow-brick fireplace. The only possible reason for this that writer can think of is for use as an air-raid shelter.

Beyond are traces of a wooden bridge over a channel, then an embankment runs to the Yare. Local people say that chalk was carried from the pit through the tunnel and along a railway to the river for wherries. There is said to have been a lime kiln near the east end, presumably now buried. Several later pipes have cut through the tunnel, but still in good condition.
Visited by E. Rose (NAU), 20 April 1977.

The tunnel was in fact built after 1884 (presumably therefore using local bricks) and disused by 1912.

November 1986.
The tunnel has now apparently been used to carry a sewer under the road. The embankment has been destroyed, the fireplace removed and the west entrance filled up with earth. But the curving wall has been carefully rebuilt in modern brick, with the exception of the shaped top.

1993.
The tunnel has now been unblocked and reopened as a bat roosting site.