Tunnel blessing tradition

The construction of Hinkley Point C’s water-cooling tunnels needs meticulous planning and accuracy. But did you know that before the work begins, a ceremony is performed to ‘bless’ the tunnelling work?

Historically, building tunnels could be very risky, so people turned to Saint Barbara for protection. Saint Barbara has played an important role for centuries. As the patron saint of tunnellers and electricians, she is also known for her association with lightning strikes and explosions. Legend says that her executioner was struck by lightning and that’s why she is linked to these events. This led to the tradition to say prayers to Saint Barbara before beginning tunnel works.

Even though tunnel construction is much safer today, elements of this tradition are still carried out at Hinkley Point C. Ewen Huffman, Site Chaplain, has led a number of these ceremonies on site, which involves offering prayers for the safety of all those involved and the success of the task.

Ewen said:

"It’s such a privilege to do these ceremonies. Many people on site are praying for the important work we do here, and it needs to continue as safety and success are important to us – so we enlist all the help we can.”

Even though the three main tunnels at Hinkley Point C have been constructed, the mining and excavation works connecting them to the large structures (known as heads) on the bottom of the seabed are still in progress.