The "dreaded" Drebbel - # 92

Let's dive into this archway that takes us off Hill Rise into Heron Sq, down towards the river. Lead on!
What is THAT!!!?????
In 1620 a Dutchman named Drebbel came to England and sold his concept for a "submarine boat". Records were lost, but legends remained strong. It was claimed that the boat had been successfully rowed under water from central London down river to the Navy HQ at Greenwich where the King had witnessed it. Recently the old account books were found in the Public Records Office and, in 2003, using the details and designs held in the old record books, the boat builder based beside Richmond Bridge http://richmonduponthamesdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/04/cave-of-delights-86.html made up this replica of "The Drebbel" - the world's first known submarine. Exactly how Mr. Drebbel designed the air supply is not clear....but it is clear that he deserves the credit.