The Channel Tunnel opened on 6th May 1994 (this month marks its twentieth anniversary), but it was being discussed for decades prior. British Pathé chronicled some of the early discussions. These films from the British Pathé archive, available on YouTube, allow you to follow the development of the project from 1936 to 1968.
1. THAT CHANNEL TUNNEL (1936)
Various shots of William Low’s design for a Channel Tunnel.
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2. CHANNEL TUNNEL – YES OR NO? (1957)
Investigation into prospects of building undersea link between Britain and France.
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3. TUNNEL OR BRIDGE? (1961)
Pathé shows both sides of the Tunnel or Bridge argument over crossing the English Channel.
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4. CHANNEL ARGUMENT (1961)
New Model of the Channel Tunnel Project is shown to journalists in London.
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5. LATEST ON CHANNEL LINK (1963)
Hopes for the Channel link renewed in England and France – NO SOUND.
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6. CHUNNEL WILL BE FIRST RATE – MARPLES (1964)
Transport Minister Ernest Marples inspects plans for the Channel Tunnel.
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7. LOUIS ARMAND ENTERS FRENCH ACADEMY (1964)
Channel tunnel engineer Armand is welcomed at a ceremony as head of the French Academy.
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8. FRENCH CHANNEL TUNNEL SURVEY UNDER WAY – DOVER (1965)
Investigations undertaken for channel tunnel – NO SOUND.
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9. CHANNEL TUNNEL (1968)
A look at plans for a Channel Tunnel, plus some other ways of getting across.
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View more films on the British Pathé YouTube channel. For licensing, please contact info@britishpathe.com
British Pathé 