The Institution of Mechanical Engineers stated that the Kilsby Tunnel proved to be one of the biggest challenges in building the London and Birmingham Railway, due to the presence of unexpected quicksand.
A dinner in 1837 marked the completion of the Kilsby Tunnel. John Wood, past president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: "George and Robert Stephenson were the two first Presidents of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and as Institution members we’re hugely excited to be able to mark this anniversary at the very same location where this dinner took place on 23 December 1837.
