Sectioned sample of gutta percha insulated cable in cast iron pipe, from Gloucester, unknown maker, British, 1863-1867.

Sectioned sample of gutta percha insulated cable in cast iron pipe, from Gloucester, unknown maker, British, 1863-1867.

This telegraph cable was excavated in Gloucester in 1959, and dates from the mid 1860s. It contains 12 gutta-percha covered copper wires, and is contained within a cast iron conduit with interlocking upper and lower portions. The wire weighed 40 lbs per mile.