Diver William Walker spent five years under Winchester Cathedral to restore the building's foundations
by Futility Closet from on (#3J54R)
In 1905 Winchester Cathedral was in danger of collapsing as its eastern end sank into marshy ground. The surprising solution was to hire a diver, who worked underwater for five years to build a firmer foundation for the medieval structure. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll tell the story of William Walker and his curious contribution to saving a British landmark.
We'll also contemplate a misplaced fire captain and puzzle over a shackled woman.