| Description | The plaque on the North portal of Newhaven Tunnel with the Latin motto, 'Divina Palladis Arte', (by the divine skill of Pallas or Minerva, the Greek goddess of engineering). Around it is a circular inscription: 'Cromford & High Peak Railway Compy Incorporated 1825'. Beneath is the name 'Wm Brittlebank Esq' (the company solicitor). A rectangular stone on top, which appears to be of a later date is inscribed, 'Jos Jessop Esqr, Engineer'. The plaques do not have a date, and with no record of when they were installed, it is possible that Jessop's plaque was added as a memorial. He died 3½ years before the railway opened. (See 0522 for close up of the plaque). |