Story of the Charmouth road tunnel on the old A35

The former Charmouth road tunnel, which used to span the trunk road between Charmouth and Axminster, became redundant when the village bypass was built in 1990.

This Grade II listed structure was complete with its own power, water and sewerage system.

Passing through the tunnel would certainly cause a fair bit of chaos on this section of road during the summer months with caravans coming and going to Devon and Cornwall for the holiday season.

The tunnel's present use as a shooting centre, the Tunnel Target Shooting Centre, would have come as quite a surprise to the men who laboured hard to build it using local stone and brick.

The tunnel - 65m long - was opened in 1832 by the Bridport Turnpike Trust.

The following is an account of the momentous day featured in the Dorset County Chronicle of 1832:

On Monday last this great improvement in the line of road between Charmouth and Axminster was opened to the public.

As the hour of nine approached, horsemen and pedestrians were observed congregating from all quarters.

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About half past twelve the Bridport band arrived at the spot and shortly afterwards the eyes of all were directed eastwards in consequence of intelligence from those who occupied the top of the hill that 'the mail was coming' and in a few minutes that 'wonder of the commercial world' drawn by four spirited horses (the property of Mr Stevens of Axminster) was discerned sweeping along the new and level surface.

An original drawing of Charmouth Tunnel (Image: Supplied) As this coach had to enter the tunnel at its eastern mouth the band was stationed near its western entrance towards which most of the spectators (about 700) placed themselves, some on the lofty banks on either side and others upon the road itself.

In order that the horses might not be startled upon first entering the subterranean and novel passage express orders were issued (and complied with) that no noisy demonstrations should be exhibited until the vehicle had cleared the tunnel.

The team dashed through in high style and upon its exit was hailed with the air of God Save the King from the band, and loud huzzas of the multitude.

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The band now marched to the western entrance and the same ceremony was observed for the return mail, which arrived after a lapse of about ten minutes. The passengers in both mails appeared to participate in the enthusiasm of those around them, and joined most heartily in the long and loud acclamations.

The new line of road rather more than a mile in length is situated between the village of Charmouth and Penn Inn to the westward and by it, a long steep and dangerous hill is entirely avoided and an open, firm and level trotting ground effected.

About midway a tunnel has been excavated through a precipitously rising ground, in order to preserve a right of road leading from Wooton to Lyme which passes over it at right angles.

This important work was commenced in April of last year and completed (in spite of those unforeseen difficulties which naturally occur in such undertakings) in December.

(Image: Supplied) The tunnel is 219ft in length and in with 20ft, rising (from east to west) one inch and a half in every yard.

It is also 20ft in height.

The side walls to the height of 13ft are substantially built with Bothenhampton stone, from which springs an elliptic arch rising seven feet, formed of brick work and stuccoed. This style of architecture was selected in preference to a semi-circular arch, a light an elegant appearance with durability and space.

The former is obvious to the commonest observer and the latter may be practically illustrated by its admitting two of the highest loaded vehicles to pass each other without obstruction to themselves, or injury to the structure.

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The frontispiece at each entrance presents a parapet wall springing eight feet above the arch and crowned by a stone coping, from the extremities of which descend curved wing wall supporting the sloping sides of the open excavation of the hill and terminating with pillars ornamented with caps.

Charmouth Scouts and Cubs did archery practice in the old Charmouth Tunnel before it was transformed into a rifle range (Image: Supplied)

This useful and highly important work has been executed by the order and under the control of the commissioners of the Bridport Turnpike Trust and to then undoubtedly, the neighbourhood in general (and those especially whose business or pleasure are thus facilitated) are much indebted.

But to the impartial writer of this article it appears to be no invidious distinction, but a simple act of justice to award a particular need of commendation to the indefatigable exertions and personal attentions of Mr Commissioner Wilson, of Charmouth, during the progress of the work.

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The promptitude and decision of that gentleman in meeting those obstacles incident to so difficult an undertaking and the skill and judgement displayed in overcoming them, deserve the greatest praise.

In the execution of this design, also, Mr Vallens, builder of Charmouth, has evinced talents highly creditable to himself, and has already received as he really deserved, the unqualified approbation of all who have witnessed the accomplishments of his arduous task.

The shooting range under construction Image: NQIndependently of the great utility of the beautiful specimen of art, must be noticed the rich and varied views which it has exposed to the inquisitive traveller: more particularly those which present themselves in journeying westward.

Upon emerging from the subterranean road, the extensive and fertile valley of Whitechurch opens to the left hand, and before you lies the clean picturesque village of Charmouth, beyond which on the right hand, a dip between two lofty cliffs, scarcely a mile distant affords an extensive view.

'O'oe the glad waters of the dark blue sea' across which, upon a clear day, may be discerned that well known and by sailors not less dreaded headland 'the Bill of Portland'.

At that season of year when nature's boundless beauty and effect to her own incomparable works, a scene like this can scarcely be equalled and but seldom surpassed.