The tunnel was in use as part the main route of the canal between the 1770s when the canal was first constructed, until the 1830s when the canal was re-aligned to follow a more direct route. However the old tunnel and part of the old route remained in use until 1840 as part of an arm serving local brick works and quarries. The present Newbold tunnel runs at a right angle to the old one.

Photo by G-Man Jan 2005