the tunnel and questioned Dodd's experience and capabilities. Despite Clarke's objections, and by eliciting the support of people in high places, a company to build the tunnel was set up and an act of Parliament, the ' (39 Geo. 3. c. lxxiii) was passed to approve its construction.

The tunnel was started some 800 yards east of Tilbury Fort, to join Tilbury to Gravesend in 1798. Much difficulty was experienced with flooding so a steam driven pump and