This 904 m. tunnel was dug in 1786 by William Reynolds with the intention of building an underground canal linking the Blists Hill mines with the river Severn.
The tunnel cut through a natural pool of Bitumen so Reynolds decided to collect the Bitumen instead.
In its early days 4,500 gallons were produced per week, however, this figure dropped to a consistant 1,000 gallons a week. During its latter days, the mine struggled to produce 10 barrels a year. Work stopped in the 1840's, but the tunnel continued use for drainage and ventilation to the mine above.
The Tar Tunnel was rediscovered by Shropshire Mining Club in 1965.
Above, the Hay incline was built for transport to the river severn as the canal idea was not going to happen after the discovery of the Bitumen.