The tunnels of the Carrière Wellington, Arras, were dug in 1916/17 to join together multiple old caverns dug for limestone quarrying in earlier centuries. These galleries were used to protect and hide soldiers taking part in the Battle of Arras, which took place on 9th April, 1917. The Battle of Vimy Ridge, undertaken by Canadian forces, was fought at the same time just to the north of Arras.