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Tunnel History A collection of images gathered from the tunnel's
use as an air raid shelter in World War II to the present day
(click image to view gallery). A brief history of the Victoria
Tunnel On this page you will find a brief history of the
Victoria Tunnel. Phil Thirkell, a volunteer with the Victoria
Tunnel Education Project and a member of the Ouseburn Heritage
Group has carried out in-depth research into the history of the
Tunnel. You can also find a more detailed history of the
Victoria Tunnel on Phil Thirkell’s website here. Newcastle’s
Hidden Heritage The Victoria Tunnel runs beneath the city from
the Town Moor down to the Tyne. It was built in 1842 to
transport coal from Leazes Main Colliery to riverside staithes
(jetties) ready for loading onto ships. In 1939, it was
converted into an air-raid shelter to protect hundreds of
Newcastle citizens during World War II. A programme of repairs
in 2007-8 was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fu