Underneath Liverpool, England's, Edge Hill district of the city lies a mysterious
underground kingdom of winding tunnels, passages and caverns
Hidden away and forgotten about for the best part of two hundred years
underneath the city, the Williamson Tunnels are being unearthed for the
viewing pleasure of visitors from the 21st century
This is the fascinating underground world created by Joseph Williamson
otherwise known as 'The Mole of Edge Hill'
Williamson was a local philanthropist and self made millionaire, in the days
when a million was a lot of money!
He retired by the age of forty by which time he owned businesses and
properties around Liverpool's Mason Street
At the end of the Napoleonic wars, men returning to the city found
themselves looking for work
Although Williamson was a charitable man, he didn't want to simply give
'hand outs' to these poor men, so he created a, sort of, 'work creation
scheme', if you like
This involved employing a work force to set about building a labyrinth of
underground tunnels so they could do an honest day's work for an honest day's
pay
In addition to this, the work also provided apprentices the knowledge and
skills required to take away for future employers, thus establishing them as
skilled workers
Williamson became known as 'The King of Edge Hill' and locally as 'The Mole
of Edge Hill'
After Williamson's death, the tunnels were closed, and those living in
houses located above the tunnels found themselves their very own sewerage
system - before they'd been invented!
They chiselled through from their basements in to the tunnels.
Once a hole had been made they used this as their, well, toilet, and
disposal system for all their household waste (but don't let that put you
off your sandwiches!)
So, the years went by, but when Liverpool Corporation was established in the
late 19th century, they kicked up a stink (in more ways than one!)
A decision was made that the tunnels could no longer be used for this
purpose, and so work began in filling the tunnels with landfill and ash, to
prevent any more dumping, and to abolish the smell
Only recently have the tunnels been rediscovered, and a team of volunteers
are now working hard in an attempt to reopen as much of this piece of
history as possible
On arrival at the Heritage Centre you will be greeted by one of the friendly
volunteers, then you take a leisurely browse through the artefacts
recovered, so far, from the tunnels
Bear in mind of course, here you will be looking at local people's garbage
from the nineteenth century!
There are still some interesting items to look
at though, including early soda bottles with marbles as stoppers, pots,
plates, jars and there's even a pair of well worn boots!
From here you will be taken on an amazing tour of a section of the tunnels -
the volunteers are still working on opening up more - watch this space - and
once you've got your hard hat on, you'll be on your way
The tour lasts around 45 minutes, and includes information on the
engineering behind the tunnels' construction, the history of the tunnels,
and a look in to the life of one of Liverpool's most eccentric characters
One word of warning, access to the tunnels can be quite restricted in places
and only partial access would be available to those using wheelchairs or
pushchairs, parking is available on the site
If you're feeling peckish, the Heritage Centre has a small licensed bar area
where you can have a tea or coffee, or something a little stronger if the
moods takes you
The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre is based at The Old Stableyard in
Smithdown Lane L7, and is well sign posted
If you like history, and especially if you have a love of engineering, this
is a must for you
Whilst you're in this area of the city you may also like to visit:
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
Liverpool Metropolitan cathedral
Sefton Park
You're also not far away from the many attractions of Liverpool city centre
Make the most of your visit to Liverpool - with your very own chauffer
driven luxury limousine and tour host for the day!
You will be collected from your chosen location in the North West of
England, then sit back and relax as we whisk you away in state of the art
luxury in our beautiful Lincoln limousine for up to seven guests
On arriving in Liverpool, we will take you on a guided tour of the places of
interest YOU have chosen
We will tailor make a tour suit YOUR preferences - and that's the difference
with Liverpooltour.co.uk - your tour takes you where YOU want to go!
Don't be disappointed! Liverpooltour.co.uk 's tours sell out well in advance
Reduce stress! - we are number one for reliability and quality
Save vacation time! - plan and book now, not when you're here
Have a great day in the company of your charming hosts - or explore on your
own - it's your choice
Contact us today - without obligation - for further details
+44 (0) 1254 202774 or mobile +44 (0) 7710761291
Can't wait to see you la!
Liverpool 08 European Capital of Culture