Greathead Collection

Greatheads Lifeboat 2
In a heavy sea, Greatheads lifeboat puts out to the aid of a vessel in distress : the helmsman stands aft, the look- out in the bows, the ten oarsmen row as best they can. Date: 1791

The Tube Railways of London - group photo of workmen, with greathead shield driving a station tunnel, the ends of the hydraulic rams pressing on flange of furthest ring Date: 1909

Price's rotary digger and greathead shield
Front view of Price's combined rotary digger and greathead shield with six revolving arms and removal buckets Date: 1909

Greatheads Lifeboat rescues a ship in trouble. Date: 1791

North entrance, Blackwall Tunnel, London, 20th Century. Designed by the London County Councils chief engineer Alexander Binnie (1839-1917), the Blackwall Tunnel beneath the Thames opened in 1897

James Henry Greathead, British engineer, (1934). Greathead (1844-1896) worked on the underground railway networks of London

Blackwall Tunnel, London, c1900. This tunnel, the older Western tunnel, connects the Essex and Kent sides of the Thames. Designed by the London County Councils chief engineer Alexander Binnie

James Henry Greathead
JAMES HENRY GREATHEAD South African engineer, working in Britain : his system of shields revolutionised the art of tunnel construction. Date: 1844 - 1896

Matthew Greathead (100)
MATTHEW GREATHEAD Yorkshire widower, a Freemason for 72 years, still in full possession of his faculties when this portrait was done in his 100th year. Date: 1770 - 1870+

Blackwall Tunnel, London, opened 1897. This tunnel, the older Western tunnel, connects the Essex
Blackwall Tunnel, London, opened 1897.This tunnel, the older Western tunnel, connects the Essex and Kent sides of the Thames

Henry Greathead (1757-1816) born in Richmond, Yorkshire. English boatbuilder who had a boatyard at South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England, where in 1790 he built The Original

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"Greathead: Pioneering Innovations and Remarkable Legacy" Discover the remarkable story of Greathead, a name synonymous with groundbreaking engineering achievements. From the iconic Greatheads Lifeboat 2 to revolutionizing London's transportation system with The Tube Railways, this family has left an indelible mark on history. James Henry Greathead, a British engineer in the early 20th century, was instrumental in developing Price's rotary digger and the revolutionary Greathead Shield. These inventions played a pivotal role in tunneling projects such as the North entrance of Blackwall Tunnel in London. The Blackwall Tunnel itself, opened in 1897, stands as a testament to their ingenuity. Connecting Essex and London through its older Western tunnel, it transformed transportation possibilities for generations to come. But engineering prowess is not limited to one generation alone. Matthew Greathead continues this legacy today with his innovative contributions that have pushed boundaries even further. Beyond their engineering feats, the Greatheads also had notable figures like Henry Greathead (1757-1816), an English boatbuilder born in Richmond, Yorkshire. His craftsmanship elevated maritime travel during his time and set standards for excellence that endure till today. Even parliamentary elections were impacted by this influential family. Their involvement in electioneering during olden days left an imprint on political landscapes across regions. As we delve into the rich tapestry of history woven by these extraordinary individuals bearing the name "Greathead, " we are reminded of their unwavering commitment to progress and innovation that continues to inspire us all.