Many people in Liverpool have heard of The Williamson Tunnels but, I predict, most will tell you they have never visited the site. Myself included, until I recently enjoyed a rainy winter afternoon sheltered in Williamson’s mysterious underground passages.
Located on Smithdown Lane, a few hundred metres from the city's landmark Metropolitan Cathedral, you will find a fascinating journey into 19th Century Liverpool. You could be forgiven for missing the entrance entirely. A volunteer project, there are no bold flashing signs alerting passersby of its existence.
It is an interesting and, frankly, bizarre story of wealthy merchant Joseph Williamson - once nicknamed The King of Edge Hill for his status as a landowner, and employer of the majority of the area's workers.
Williamson married his boss’ daughter and became a gentlemen. Owning a vast amount of untouched land, he decided to construct huge houses for the well-to-do of Liverpool in the early 19th Century.
One problem. At the end of each garden the sandstone bedrock had a sharp twenty foot drop onto Smithdown Lane! In order to extend the length of garden and fashionable orchard area, Williamson decided to build a series of arches to support a new section. Sensible enough.
Yet, over the next thirty years, Williamson earned himself the affectionate nickname The Mole of Edge Hill. He instructed his huge workforce to dig a series of tunnels and supporting arches - for no apparent reason.
Our tour was led by a young chap named Richard, who ensured we were all wearing our hard hats (largely in place, it seemed, to prevent water dripping on your head.) But do not arrive expecting a hike through an underground labyrinth. The tour covers only a snapshot of the tunnels network.
The true extent of the tunnel network is still being investigated as Joseph Williamson never recorded or planned the network of tunnels on paper.
Hundreds of tons of rubbish has been painstakingly removed from most of just four tunnels; the Corner; Small; Double and Well Tunnel. These tunnels are the only entrances that can be accessed at ground level, although the tour allows you to glimpse the Triple Decker tunnel, unearthed as recently as 2002.
Richard’s engaging personality conveyed a real enthusiasm for the tunnels project, for which he has been volunteering for over six years. Without volunteers like Richard the Heritage centre would cease to be, which would be a huge shame for Liverpool local history.
Williamson’s legacy of tunnels has sparked many theories as to why he built these apparently useless passageways for no financial gain.
The most commonly offered hypothesis is that of Philanthropy. Having risen from humble beginnings, the rich retired merchant was touched by the poverty which pervaded the Edge Hill district and offered construction labour to the unemployed as a gesture of generosity. Rightly or wrongly, this Philanthropist theory has become so entrenched in folklore that it is taken by many today as the truth.
Another theory has it that Mr and Mrs Williamson subscribed to a religious cult which believed that the world would be destroyed soon and that the tunnels were built as a refuge within which followers could escape the fire and brimstone. This seems to me unlikely, and the kind of sensationalism that appeals to fans of Dan Brown.
Richard told us of another theory, suggested by an experienced brick layer who recently visited the tunnels. The lower archway of the Double Tunnel, which serves absolutely no structural purpose, is poorly constructed in comparison to the main supporting arch.
In the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars a huge number of Joseph’s workforce largely consisted of soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars of 1815. His workforce would have included labourers, masons, carpenters, a wages clerk and foreman.
Could it be that Williamson was running a scheme of apprenticeships for young labourers to practise their trade?
We can never be certain, for there is no historical documentation from Joseph Williamson explaining his intentions.
The forty minute tour gives you a genuine insight not only into the construction of the tunnels, but into the strange persona of Joseph Williamson. Amusing anecdotes portray an unfathomable man, one minute a practical joker, the next a harsh, uncaring husband. A Jekyll and Hyde character, with which the theory of a well meaning philanthropist does not quite fit.
To make your own mind up, I heartily recommend you take the journey through Williamson’s tunnels yourself. Suitable for ages 8+.
The Heritage Centre provides a car park, toilet facilities, a charity shop and a rather drafty café. Situated beneath Williamson’s Double Tunnel, you can forgive the sparse décor. But with only a small selection of drinks on offer, and a limited selection of snacks it is not an option for lunch. But with up to 20 minutes wait for each tour to start, it provides a welcome opportunity for a warming mug of tea.
Tickets are priced at £4 for adults, and children at £2.50, with concessions available. For further information please visit http://www.williamsontunnels.co.uk or call 0151 709 6868.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Williamson Tunnels you must be above 18 years of age and able to dedicate at least 4 hours of your time on a regular basis. Please contact volunteers@williamsontunnels.co.uk
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment