When I first visited the museum – which tells the history of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s first project, a tunnel under the River Thames – I was fascinated that this relatively small place tells such a big story.

I was amazed at how difficult it must have been to build it and the terrible conditions the workers faced. I was also struck by how the museum was supported by volunteers and realised that joining them would be a valuable use of my time, particularly as I used to be a maintenance engineer by trade.

I welcome visitors as they arrive and show them around the engine house, which was the pumping mechanism for Brunel’s tunnel. I explain what the building was used for and point out what they should look out for during their visit. They are fascinated by how the tunnel was built and are usually interested in the personal stories of the workers and what the area was like in Brunel’s time.

I get asked a lot whether the Rotherhithe Tunnel is the same tunnel, but it was actually built much later. Visitors usually ask if they can go through the tunnel but the only access is by an overground tube train. We can, however, show them the impressive underground chamber that was the original entrance.

Interview by John Holt