On 6 May 1994, the Channel Tunnel connecting Folkestone and Sangatte, near Calais, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand. The first passenger service departed from Waterloo station in November that year.

The idea of a tunnel connecting England and France had first been proposed in 1751, and again under Napoleon, with a design for an underwater tunnel for use by passengers in stage coaches submitted in 1802. In 1880, work actually began on digging a tunnel between the two countries, but this was quickly abandoned. From 1883 to 1894, eleven bills or motions in Parliament on the tunnel were defeated or withdrawn. 

Within the House Debating Books kept in the College Archives are more than 50 debates held between 1875 and 1940 on whether or not there should be a Channel Tunnel. Opinions varied enormously – those in favour lauded the engineering effort needed, the improvements to trade routes and the reduction of sea-sickness. Those opposed feared invasion, the influx of rats or did not see any particular benefits to outweigh the costs.

Many were concerned over the idea of Britain’s insularity being violated, stating “Any connection with France was entirely unwanted” and “[He] didn’t see why we should fork out for a tunnel for the French.” [SCH HOUS 03 FER 04, debate held 18 August 1924]

Fears of invasion were rebuffed, with one speaker stating “The Tunnel would be so very easily defended either by walling up one end & stopping the air supply, or smoking out the invaders, if at the worst & men could not be spared, an express train run at full speed would make short work of the hostile column.” [SCH HOUS 03 ECAL 04, debate held 1 May 1875]

Permission for a tunnel was finally granted in 1986. Digging began in 1988 with over 13000 workers involved and was completed in 1991. It has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.  

Eleanor Hoare, College Archivist