A Sinking Cathedral
In the early 20th century, Winchester Cathedral faced collapse. Built on a marsh, its foundation began to sink. Cracks formed, and the structure was at risk of falling. Engineers decided the only solution was to underpin the foundation—a task requiring extraordinary precision.
The Man for the Job
William Walker, a deep-sea diver from Croydon, was brought in to work on the project. From 1906 to 1911, Walker spent six hours a day, six days a week, working in darkness. Wearing a heavy diving suit, he worked underwater in pits he helped dig, laying concrete bags to stabilize the foundation.
The Conditions Underwater
Walker worked in zero visibility, feeling his way through the muddy water to position the concrete. His efforts created a stable base for over 25 feet of concrete, which prevented further sinking. Over the course of five years, Walker handled thousands of tons of material.
A Job Completed
By 1911, Winchester Cathedral was secure, thanks to Walker’s skill and dedication. His work was recognized at the time, and he remains a key figure in the cathedral’s history for saving one of England’s architectural landmarks.
In the early 20th century, Winchester Cathedral faced collapse. Built on a marsh, its foundation began to sink. Cracks formed, and the structure was at risk of falling. Engineers decided the only solution was to underpin the foundation—a task requiring extraordinary precision.🧵 pic.twitter.com/dS9Szotc75
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 19, 2025