Guestbook Please add to our guestbook. This is a friendly place where you can tell everyone what you think about the tunnels. Please note that as this guestbook is moderated it may take a day or so for your message to appear. You can leave your e-mail address out if you want - some spammers collect addresses from guestbooks! Guestbook Archive July to Dec 2005 Jan to June 2005 July to Dec 2004 Jan to June 2004 July to Dec 2003 We visited the tunnels today and had an amazing time. The tunnels were unbelieveable and got to see three different locations. The work the members are doing is fantastic. Thank you for all your help. The tour was both a visual delight as well as informative. Looking forward to seeing the progress. Hilary & Dave Hilary Robb Warrington, Cheshire, UK, Sat 19 Nov 15:01:57 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you both enjoyed yourselves over the November weekend visits folks. We are also very grateful you brought the sun with you from Warrington! We were most fortunate this year with the weather, instead of being on site early clearing the ice away, we were actually arguing over who got the best deck-chairs and whose turn it was with the sunglasses! Thank you for your kind message Hilary & Dave and indeed, a big THANK YOU to all our members who attended from far and wide this November. Keep spreading the word and we hope you return again next year with new friends like so many do. We hope we have made a lot more progress by the time the next visits are organised. JIM M] Excellent site!! My grandad used to tell me about tunnels under the city (not the underground train ones)and it is brilliant to see them. I don't live in Liverpool anymore but I will be visiting this fantastic city soon. Thanks for putting this all on here. Karen karen g Tue 19 Jul 21:36:41 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the photographs on our site Karen. You don't say where you live now but, wherever you are, we hope you make the journey to Liverpool soon, there is lots to see and do. JM ] It is with deep regret that we have to mention the passing of a dear friend and colleague of the Friends of Williamson's Tunnels Mr Stephen Thompson at the age of 56. For many years, Stephen was an ever-present at our exploratory digs, being as enthusiastic as anybody could have been in the search to uncover the many mysteries left by Joseph Williamson. Since leaving school Stephen was on the grounds maintenance team at the University of Liverpool and would spend many hours laying out and tending the massed banks of shrubbery and flowers. The results of his life's work will live on. Stephen was cheerful and friendly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him at the Friends of Williamson Tunnels. The chapel at his funeral service was packed by his family and those who knew him. Some of his friends at the Williamson Tunnels were there to pay their last respects. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family. Rest in peace Stephen, we will all miss you. Eric Cope (Guide & Digging Team) LIVERPOOL, England, UK, Wed 22 Jun 20:37:14 2011 We visited your museum today and thoroughly enjoyed walking through the tunnels. One thing we did notice was how similar the sandstone was to the stone in Cumbria near us. Very surprised to see Williamson has links to Wigton (just up the road from us in Keswick)We will be spreading the word, the museum oozes character and it so unusual Keep up the great work. Alison Nunwick Keswick, Cumbria, UK, Fri 03 Jun 18:25:22 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the visit Alison. If we had known you were coming, we'd have got the daffodils out! Bit of a coincidence this as whilst you were visiting the tunnels, I was having tea and cake (s) in the tea rooms at Rydal Mount! Many thanks for helping to "spread the word" it really does help our caus and keeps the visitors coming. As our work continues hopefully, we will have more surprises in store for future visitors so do keep looking in. JM] I found your website whilst working on my family tree. I had googled an address in Liverpool that my ancestors had lived at. I then noticed the Tunnels on the map so clicked on the icon, took the link to your page and have been totally absorbed for about 2 hours! I had never heard of the tunnels before and find them fascinating. The FoWT webpage is very informative and interesting - well done! Hope to get over to the UK some day and will definitely put the tunnels on the itinery! I wish you well in your ongoing project to reveal all the tunnels! Tania Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia, Fri 25 Mar 07:10:01 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Thank you for that interesting information on how you found us Tania. It is incredible how searches for one source of information, invariably lead to different paths and subjects and suddenly, one is then sucked-in by unexpected stories and revelations in days of yore. Such is the wonder of the internet. You will certainly not be disappointed visiting the tunnels during your UK tour. JM] I was working in the city and I had parked my car in Kinglake Street in Edge Hill. I passed the sign for Williamson Tunnels & noted it. I then googled the tunnels "what a suprise!" Everybody rushing to work oblivious to what is beneath. Well done with the website. Terry Finch Preston, Lancashire, UK, Tue 18 Jan 20:12:16 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Thanks Terry, hope you enjoy working in Liverpool. It is surprising just what is beneath peoples feet in the area. It is even more suprising when you actally see what lies beneath for the first time. We know there is more, and there is even more we don't know. Evidence for which is the recent new tunnel discovery at the Stable Yard site in Smithdown Lane. The find is reported in todays Daily Post & Echo. Hope you get to visit us one day. Jim M ] I had never heard of this subject until on watching Eggheads tonight (Jan 11/1/2011) it popped up in relation to another subject. Very interesting and congratulations on your excellent website. Ron Aldridge` London, Tue 11 Jan 19:09:12 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for looking us up Ron. The Liverpool Trainworkers, as well as doing us proud on Eggheads, gave us a great plug. So...you will have to follow through with a visit one day! JM ] Having come from the north of Anglesey, Parys Mountain was my childhood stomping ground. I am quite happy to see an interesting urban exploration site in Liverpool, and like all great finds, it's better explored safely with the experts. And Liverpool as a city is a wonderful place, it has it all, a rich and deep rooted cultural history many large parks, shopping, music venues, multicutural eating venues, two great football clubs, the list goes on, I would be more than happy to settle down here. I will be looking to join the FOWT soon. D.Shaw Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, Mon 03 Jan 18:57:59 2011 [ Webmaster replies : Sounds like you have settled in already Mr Shaw! It is always a boost when we hear about people who come as visitors here and end up making Liverpool their home. That is part of the point of our existence, not just to preserve the tunnels for local pride but for visitors from far and wide. The tunnels are something quite different and unique, an original "museum of life" from the early 1800s where the toil and craft of many men, can be witnessed, held still in time, beneath ground. It is always a pleasure to welcome new members and we are glad you found us. JM ] I would just like to inform all our members that they can celebrate this Christmas by drinking a bottle of Conditioned real ale produced by Liverpool Organic Brewery "Heroes of Liverpool" - Joseph Williamson, TunnAle. The portrait on the label of Joseph Williamson was drawn by our very own FoWT member Joe Wareing whose drawings have featured many times in The Mole. May we raise our glasses high and drink a toast to all our fellow members in FoWT and wish every sucess to the tunnels in the New Year. Cheers and Seasonal Greetings to all our members. Norma White. FoWT Norma White Liverpool, England, UK, Sun 19 Dec 18:12:52 2010 [ Webmaster replies : I'll drink to that Norma! JM] Having lived, for the first forty-odd years of my life within five miles of the Tunnels, I am ashamed to say that when I left Liverpool, nearly thirty years ago, I knew nothing of them. They first came to my attention when I read about them in one of Bill Bryson's books (Notes from a Small Island?). Isn't it amazing, a fiercely proud, born-and-bred Scouser being educated about his own city by a Yank! Ken Crowther Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, UK, Fri 19 Nov 15:57:41 2010 [ Webmaster replies : There is no need to feel in the slightest way embarrassed learning about something from the brilliant Bill Bryson OBE Ken. Although, as you correctly point out, he is an American, apart from a couple of years back in the 90s when he moved with his family to New Hampshire, he has lived in the UK since 1977 and is still here today. He has been the Chancellor of Durham University since 2005 and as well as being a prolific award winning author and editing books like "Icons of England" Mr Bryson is also the President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)I think Mr Bryson is an Englishman at heart and I, like millions of his keen followers, consider ourselves somewhat fortunate he has embraced and adopted us. So... as I say, no shame pointed in your direction and anyway...I am sure Mr Bryson will be delighted you plugged his book! Actually, it is a great shame Mr Bryson was not our Council leader for I have no doubt our protracted battles for leases and recognition of the legacy of Joseph Williamson would not have been so long drawn out. Still, on and on we go! You could have lived a few streets away from the tunnels back in your halcyon days Ken and not known about them. One of the benefits of this site are the many messages we receive from former neighbours of the Edge Hill area who lived directly on top of the tunnels and didn't know about them. I suppose it is down to the circles in which people moved. For example, if you had friends who happened to play in the former Lord Mayors Stable Yard, you will have heard the word "tunnels" mentioned, as the Double Tunnel and the South Tunnel were openly visible. Questions with the right locals in the right places would have revealed parts of the King of Edge Hill story. Luck and geography have a lot to do with it. Anyway Ken, now that you have found us, why not join us? For the price of a couple of pints of "Brown Mixed" I am sure you will enjoy the ride (see web site for membership details) and next time you are up in Liverpool I have no doubt you will enjoy a visit to the tunnels during members visits. Many thanks for taking the time out to contact us. Jim M] Came to Liverpool for the first time with my husband and son so they could watch Liverpool FC. Whilst they went off to the footy, I went to discover the tunnels. Great bunch of people, went down the tunnels on different levels. The most amazing was the large banqueting hall under Williamsons house. It was vast. What an amazing site. Typical council - they've been waiting 10 years for the Council to agree a lease. Come on Liverpool Council - get your finger out - you have an amazing treasure and tourist attraction right under your feet! I had a fabulous afternoon, could have stayed forever to help dig! Best thing I did all weekend and will revisit again when next up North. Thank You to everyone. Had a real giggle. You are all so dedicated and deserve the lease to be awarded so you can DIG DIG DIG! Kay Mabin Plymouth, Devon, ENGLAND, Mon 15 Nov 21:25:21 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the tour Kay and yes, it will be a fine day when we eventually get the lease. The thought of wondering what else we will find adds to the excitement and as you have no doubt picked up, it has been quite frustrating having to wait so long to dig. But these things take time and whilst the dottings and crossings of our Application continues, you can rest assured we are always on the ball and will never give up. Hopefully,next time you visit, there will be further wonderous hidden gems unearthed and a lot more to explore. Jim M ] Thankyou for a lovely day out, me and my grandson Nigel really enjoyed the experience. Keep up all the hard work :)Thanks again. Doris. ps My husband Harper grew up just down the road from the tunnels completely unaware of the spectacle below his feet. Doris Simons Yorkshire, Tue 09 Nov 12:00:21 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the day out Doris and don't worry, the hard work continues. Your husband will not be the only one from the area who will have been unaware of Joseph's Kingdom. There are probably some people out there today who have not heard about them. Every now and again the tunnels are brought to the fore by an article in the press or on TV which arouses fresh interest. The internet is also a good outlet as many Liverpool people, spread far and wide stumble across our web site and like Harper are astonished at what they discover. Thanks for dropping in Doris. ] Another AGM passes. It was once again good to see friends and hear how we are getting over the hurdles placed in front of us. I notice the information boards have now gone up in the Memorial Garden in Liverpool 1. Joseph Williamson gets a good write up, well worth a visit. Cathy Liverpool, Thu 21 Oct 21:11:16 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Lets hope this coming year brings us even more sucess eh Cathy. Meanwhile, the hard work continues... Next up of course, the Members visits over the November weekends. Looking forward to those fresh and frosty early morning starts in company with my fellow volunteers, gathered around steaming mugs of tea whilst enjoying the views over the slumbering city from the vantage point of Williamson's house on Mason Street. Meeting our loyal members from around the country and from all walks of life, and showing them down the Banqueting Hall, Wine Bins and Paddington. Our aim of course is that one day, one day soon, this will be a daily event throughout the week and throughout the year, hence our work until then, is never done. Looking forward to catching up with everyone then. Jim M] My Dad - Robert Forsyth, was a Carter for the Liverpool Corporation. They used to stable the horses in Smithdown Lane. As kids we would go with him to groom the horse "Bobby" Do Williamson's tunnels run underneath the stables? My Dad was born in Mason Street but never spoke of the tunnels. I hope to return to the Pool and will definetly be visiting the tunnels. Keep the good work up Eileen Black Silverstream, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, Fri 17 Sep 02:16:04 2010 [ Webmaster replies : YES, large sections of Williamson's tunnels do run beneath the stable yard Eileen and your Dad, especially with him residing on Mason Street, where Joseph Williamson actually lived, would certainly have known about them. Your Dad may not have known about the "Triple Decker Tunnel" that runs right beneath the Stable Yard, but he will have seen the open "Double Tunnel" (now the backdrop of a bar as part of the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre conversion)and he would also have seen the then accessible "South Tunnel" in the far right hand corner of the yard, again now all part of the WT Heritage Centre. The South Tunnel has been extensively cleared over the last few years and is well worth a visit. There is no doubt your Dad will have known about the other tunnels in the area from local gossip and folklore. Many of your Dads friends will have played in the tunnels as kids and not given them a second thought, rather, they were just there for somewhere to go and be explored. There is also a good chance your Dad may have explored and played in the "Banqueting Hall" which is the large tunnel beneath the grounds of Joseph Williamson's House on Mason Street, it was proably a garage when your Dad was growing up. The stable yard was the hub of Joseph Williamson's activities and most of his underground kingdom probably led from there up to Mason Street and beyond! It is always a pleasure and a privelge to hear from people who lived in and around the Mason Street area, any little snippet of information helps us expand our knowledge of the area and pass it on to the many visitors we show around the tunnels. The name "Bobby" can be added to our list. We hope you make the trip to Liverpool soon for we are sure it will stir the memories. Many thanks for your kind message and do keep looking in. Jim M] The tunnels are amazing, beautiful, colossol. They are mysterious and incredible. All the hardwork the friends do to maintain the tunnels, to research and protect them is incredible. The tunnels are unique, a national treaure Emma Boyd Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Thu 09 Sep 09:02:45 2010 [ Webmaster replies : And so say all of us Emma! Very well summed up and how grateful we are to you for your kind words which could in fact be the first verse of the "Battle Hymn" of The Friends! Such stirring messages always gives us great encouragement so thank you once again. We battle on in our quest. Jim M] Many thanks for your warm welcome and vast knowledge when we visited your stall at the Woodvale Rally. We Have signed up and look forward to hearing from you soon. John and son Louis. John Griffiths Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Mon 09 Aug 20:28:53 2010 [ Webmaster replies : The Woodvale Rally is always a greatly anticipated weekend venue on our calendar John & Louis. Our members and volunteers are always kept busy at our stand and we are always delighted to meet new people to relay the story of Joseph Williamson and his tunnels. It is especially a joyful reward and justifies the hard work, when visitors like yourselves join us as memebers and we shall look forwarding to meeting you both again at our members visits at the various other tunnel sites. Many thanks for looking in and sharing your kind thoughts. Jim M] I was born and bred in the council flats just by the Smithdown Lane tunnels. In fact, we used to play all around where the old stables were situated. It's a wonder my mates and I never discovered the tunnels ourselves!! David Shortall Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, Wed 04 Aug 12:41:29 2010 [ Webmaster replies : You must have all been good lads David and not ventured "out of bounds" into the Stable Yard! If you had sneaked into the Stable Yard, you would have come right upon the double tunnel and venturing further you would have seen what we called the South Tunnel which is the main hub of visits and excavations at the Smithdown Lane site today. As previous message testifys, well worth a visit to the Williamson Heritage Centre if you get the chance. JM] Visited yesterday and had the most super time. So glad we found out about The Tunnels. 0ur tour guide Liz was amazing and kept us informed and amused with the history and tales of the tunnels. Thank you so much for a great visit and meeting such dedicated and nice people. All the best Jan, Bob, Jack and Emma Jan, Bob, Jack and Emma Southport, Merseyside, U.K, Wed 04 Aug 10:11:18 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the day at the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane folks. Great works are going on there and future visitors will be even more impressed as the works progress. Many thanks for letting us know how much you enjoyed your visit, it does give all the hard working volunteers a great boost. JM] I have just been to Liverpool for the first time. Bought a ticket for Liverpool which the Williamson Tunnel attraction was one of the free attractions once bought.(a great visitor card I might add)Well how glad am I that we found it. We discovered though that on getting lost trying to find the site, hardly any locals knew about this little gem. What a shame because we found our little journey very interesting and intriguing and left us wanting to find out more. Shall be visiting the tunnels again in the future to see how the people there are getting on with unearthing it all. Well done to all involved, what a gem you have there. W.Curtis Scarborough, North Yorkshire, GB, Tue 06 Apr 23:21:29 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you made the trip W (sorry you didn't leave your first name) It sounds like you had a great time. I think you were rather unfortunate with the people you asked for directions to the Heritage Centre for thousands have visited the tunnels over the years and we regularly pop up in the news media. Proves to us though that we can never have enough publicity. Do hope you return soon to enjoy the tunnels and the City, bring some more friends along and keep passing the word. JM ] Asolutely fascinating! I was born and bred in liverpool and until an hour ago had never heard of Williamson's Tunnels and I've been riveted to the site. Can't wait to see them on my next visit to the Pool. A great website - well done. Linda linda reynolds vence, alpes maritimes, france, Sat 13 Feb 11:44:49 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Thanks Linda, glad you found us and that our web site had such an impact. You will be even more impressed when you visit. JM ] WOW! I have just been told about these tunnels by a builder we have in at the moment. Looks like I will have to see them! Many thanks. Jim James Turner Mon 18 Jan 13:16:23 2010 [ Webmaster replies : Good builder there Jim! Yes tunnels are well worth a visit. The Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane is open most days and you will find the tour most interesting and informative. If you join FoWT you will also be able to see other sections of the tunnels not yet open to the public. You can join on-line. ] How fascinating!Some-one mentioned these tunnels on our Beatles Tour recently,and now I've found the site.Hope to explore more when we visit again.Good Luck to you. Rob (a brummie who loves Liverpool) Rob Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom, Tue 29 Dec 22:04:01 2009 [ Webmaster replies : We love the Brummies too Rob. Glad you managed to find us. The place you need next time you visit is the Williamson Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane, Liverpool. The Heritage Centre is open most days. Google the Williamson Heritage Centre and you will get to their site. You will not be disapointed. ] It was good to see so many people at the AGM last week. Glad to know things are still progressing - even if its not as fast as we would all want. The contractors have almost left the "Grave Site", there are only a few bits of equipment left. Hopefully they will be starting on the garden soon Cathy Liverpool, Wed 21 Oct 22:27:38 2009 [ Webmaster replies : Yes, thanks to the loyalty of all our members, it was a well attended AGM Cathy. It was good to be able to show all the hard work that is still going on behind the scenes even though on the surface at times, it may seem progress is slow, there is always so much work to do. We all look forward to the wonderful day when the garden is completed and we have JWs memorial in place. JM] I heard about the tunnels a few years ago, but I've only just found your website. It's fascinating! I am determined to visit the tunnels in the next few weeks. Has the site of Williamson's grave been made into a garden yet? Can you give details of where it is exactly, please? Keep up the good work, maintaining this important historical site. Joan. Joan Gallen Liverpool, United Kingdom, Sun 30 Aug 10:56:13 2009 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you finally found us Joan and hope you get to make that visit soon. The grave site is not accessible at the moment as it is still enclosed by contractors fencing. But don't worry, we will update the web site when things start to happen in that area. JM] I'd never heard of these before, but they just featured in the Telegraphs Top 10 Underground Attractions, so I had to look them up. Absolutely fascinating, and I hope you are able to preserve and renovate much more of them in future! Rob Salford, UK, Tue 30 Jun 11:34:37 2009 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for your message Rob. You are not too far away from us so why not take a day trip to Scouseland one day and drop in for a visit. JM] Well worth a visit! Fascinating place with very informative and enthusiastic guides. A Worsley Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, UK, Mon 13 Apr 21:02:27 2009 [ Webmaster replies : Sounds like you had a good time during your visit! Glad you looked us up and hope you keep dropping in for up-dates. ] Born and raised in Liverpool but living away now, I still maintain a keen interest in local history.Your website is interesting and easy to use.I hope the Smithdown Lane Stables are not demolished. Too many old and interesting parts are lost forever only to be replaced with something modern and ugly eg. St John's lovely old market. Will visit on my next trip to Liverpool Carol Jeffree Maresfield, East Sussex, England, Mon 06 Apr 09:28:26 2009 [ Webmaster replies : Well, we are keeping a very close eye on the stables site Carol as we have been for many years now. Hopefully Heritage will win over greed and stupidity. Many thanks for your message and hope you get to visit soon. ] I had never heard of the Williamson tunnels until i recently saw them featured on the programme "How Britain was built". What struck me straight away was the similarities between Williamson's tunnels and a folly local to me known as the "Welbeck tunnels" not just the tunnels but the man himself. The Welbeck tunnels were built around the same time and in an almost identical style. The builder of these tunnels (The 5th Duke of Portland) was as his title suggests a man of great means. He was a huge source of employment at a time of otherwise great poverty. He reputedly led a secretive double life, could it have possibly been a triple life? Sadly (unlike the Williamson's tunnels) the Welbeck tunnels are slowly rotting away. They, like Williamson's tunnels are a feature of local if not national heritage and should be preserved for all to see. Anyway keep up the good work and I hope to see the tunnels for myself soon. M Turner Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK, Tue 10 Feb 14:10:39 2009 [ Webmaster replies : How very interesting. Some of us had heard of the Welbeck tunnels before and they are indeed similar in style to Williamson's, both making extensive use of the cut and cover method in their construction. I think the difference with Williamson though is that he went much deeper, building tunnels below tunnels. Also significant is the intricate arches carved out by Willimson's men. I do hope you are able to visit us one day and compare the two systems first hand. Many thanks for your message. JM] Having grown up at 5 Edge Lane - 1952 to 1964, and attending Rathbone County Primary School, I had never heard of the tunnels.I will definitely visit on my next trip to the U.K. Ray Bleasdale Courtice, Ontario, Canada, Mon 01 Dec 18:46:48 2008 [ Webmaster replies : And we have no doubt the memories will come flooding back Ray. The tunnels will be a real eye opener and you will probably wonder how you missed them when you were a kid. JM] Hi I heard about the Williamson Tunnels a couple of years ago, when I was doing a tour at Bank Hall in Bretherton. We are a voluntary group trying to restore the Jacobean House and Gardens. Whilst giving a guided tour a member from FoWT was amongst the visitors in the group I was talking to and they mentioned the Tunnels and that I must visit!! I was told of the trouble and the plans to open the visitor centre and the risk of losing the stable blocks to developments. I said that I would visit and as of yet I have not done so, but I really hope to visit very very soon! I am all for supporting groups trying to conserve history and heritage and especially for a project as interesting as this! I sure hope to visit soon and maybe bring some of Our members from the Bank Hall Action Group along! Well done with all the work you have done and I wish you all the success with the project and I hope to visit soon! John Southport, Sat 01 Nov 17:05:38 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Sounds like a very worthwhile project you are undertaking there John and we at FoWT wish you and your group well with the restoration works. You will not be disappointed when you visit the Heritage Centre and do hope you get to visit soon. Perhaps we could arrange something whereby we visit your site and we then show you round the tunnels? It would be good to share each others experiences on preservation etc. Hope to speak soon and many thanks for taking the time out to contact us. JM ] Hi I am originally from Liverpool and find this story amazing. My brothers have visited many times and they love the tunnels so I thought it was time I joined. I am looking forward to coming home and the first thing I will do is visit the tunnels, I am well excited. maxine London, England, Thu 02 Oct 15:36:17 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Will look forward to meeting up Maxine and if you are impressed by the story and photos, just wait until you see the real thing. Many thanks for joining us. (Note to digging crew...get an extra spade!) JM] I have visited the tunnels a number of times and I am always in awe of them. The volunteers who work on this project deserve a medal. They get no government backing and very little help from elsewhere. Well done. Your work is appreciated. Carole Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Wed 27 Aug 21:23:55 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Anymore visits Carole and you're getting a spade! We have actually received some grants over the years Carole from various local Government initiatives. Not astronomical amounts it must be said but every little helps as the saying goes. Our loyal members are the main backbone that keep us all going and of course our Committee and regular volunteers who help out at our stands at the various fayres throughout the year etc. Hope you keep visiting and spreading the word. JM ] I think the Willamson's tunnels are very interesting and unusual and before I went to the Willamson's tunnels I had never heard of him before. asheigh Liverpool, England, Thu 14 Aug 21:33:00 2008 [ Webmaster replies : We all have to start somewhere Ashleigh, all part of the learning curve. Most of us had never heard of Joseph Williamson or the tunnels but once we did find out about him,we wanted to learn more. This is how we grow as a society, the more people learn and pass on the story of the King of Edge Hill and his maze of incredible tunnels , even more people become interested and they pass on the story... So glad you were able to visit the tunnels and the web site and hope you pass on the story to everyone you know. Many thanks for your kind message. JM] I had heard of your tunnels through work (Graeme House Derby Square) and found them fascinating! It would be great if I could have more of an insight of these tunnels I would like to be involved in some way. Is it true that there are tunnels under Graeme House/Derby Square? Your web site is good and I would like to learn more Paula Lockyer Liverpool, Mersyside, Fri 01 Aug 14:56:51 2008 [ Webmaster replies : It is easy to get involved Paula, become a member and attend our monthly members meetings (see web site for details)You don't say if you have visited the tunnels yet, if you have not, then you are in for a treat. Don't know about tunnels under Derby Square, I suppose with it being the former site of Liverpool Castle, there would be many rumours of tunnels beneath the area. If there were tunnels there, I am sure we would have heard about them. JM] I caught a brief glimpse of the feature on 'The One Show on BBC1'. I've always had a fascination for history of this period and the London underground fascinates me. However, I find the 'Williamson Tunnels' even more fascinating and your website adds to the fascination as it reflects the dedication of FoWT. With my limited knowledge of the subject, I feel that the tunnels began as a practical project of Williamson's only to manifest into an obsession in his efforts to deal with his overwhelming loss and bereavement of his wife.(Depression and Mental health affects people in unexplainable ways at times.) Of course, it's only a thought and I would much prefer there to be a more glamorous and intriguing truth. Keep up the good work and I'll visit soon, Neil Banks Staffordshire, england, Tue 10 Jun 21:11:19 2008 [ Webmaster replies : There are a number of theories as to why Williamson built his underground kingdom Neil. "To provide men returning from the Napoleonic wars with work" was the accepted word passed down by historians however, when one tours the tunnels and gazes upon the sheer scale of the undertaking and marvel at the skill of the craftsmen it does tend to make one wonder if there was an ulterior motive. In his later years JW did spend a lot more time underground than he did above it (a bit like us nowadays!!) Was he alone with his memories? It is a total different scenario than say the London Underground. We know for fact, that the London Underground was built, not because someone was depressed or a bit mad, but because it was needed so trains could travel through unhindered by other traffic...end of! But then we see Williamson's magnificent works and it makes us wonder. Intriguing isn't it! When we come to try and understand why Williamson built his tunnels, that questioning human element wants to dismiss the long accepted explanation and look for other reasons. Did JW have a vision, was he involved with some religious sect that used the tunnels (some of which are church like)for meetings? The answer is Neil... we don't really know the answer! We hope to discover more about Williamson as we delve deeper into the depths and continue with our research in the meantime we all enjoy the guessing game! Many thanks for your message Neil and hope you get to visit us soon. JM ] I too saw the One Show, and was absolutely fascinated! My dad is an Anfield boy well he's 71 now and has mentioned the tunnels over time. He was one of the Towers family of Towson St. I am a mature art student and would like to concentrate on your wonderful tunnels in some way for my next project, but not quite sure how yet? I am not a painter, but I think either the sounds of the tunnels, or a 3D model with some of the items you've found included in small scale would be more me. People should celebrate and support something so unusual. I have to hope that at some stage evidence is found to support the philanthropic theory!! (soppy woman that I am) Many thanks Sue Anderson Sue Anderson Lymington, Hants, UK, Tue 03 Jun 12:03:47 2008 [ Webmaster replies : A 3D model of the tunnels would be some undertaking Sue as in some parts they descend three and six levels below the street line. Also the bottom level of Paddington, that is to say, the present bottom level (before excavation of other areas where we know there are other levels)is approx 50ft deep! In 1925 Charles Hand and a party from the Lancashire & Cheshire Historical Society, visited the Paddington section of the tunnels and walked for nearly a mile without finding a boundary! Obviously you would need to visit the tunnels to take in the sheer scale of the area. All evidence does point to the Philanthropic theory, probably 80% correct, we like to keep the remaining 20% open because we have discovered the Joseph Williamson story is full of twists and turns. I don't know how long it has been since your dad visited the area but in any event with the opening of the new "Liverpool One" part of the city last week, he will be very impressed with the changes also, he is still young enough to visit the tunnels. So why not join FoWT on a family membership then you will all be able to visit the areas not yet open to the public during our members open days. Many thanks for your message Sue. JM ] Hi, have just seen the piece on the "One Show" on BBC1. Really interesting...keep up the good work. Will come and visit when I get a chance Nick Yateley, Hants, UK, Mon 02 Jun 19:19:52 2008 [ Webmaster replies : The show was filmed a couple of weeks ago Nick and our experienced FoWT Liverwood "A" List extras were paraded before the producers. With crimson lippy, over-plastered blusher and gleaming new hard-hats, Chris and Les, still coining it from the corporate after dinner speaking circuit following their walk-on (and straight off again)parts on "Songs of Praise," steam-rolled through the screen tests! With the amount of TV and Radio work they have done it won't be long before they are asked to the Celebrity Big Brother House! The BBC have been very good to us over the years Nick providing valuable publicity and bringing the Williamson story to a much wider audience. It gives us all a boost when we receive messages like yours from as far afield as Hants. Do hope you get to make that visit one day, you will really enjoy it. JM ] Surely a contender for another World Heritage Award? I knew about the tunnels in the mid 80s but didn't appreciate the extent, size and high standard of the workings. Most impressive as is your approach and dedication. Have you considered looking for a sponsor - a tunneling company for example? More people should know about this - I shall send your link to a number of my friends requesting onward transmission. If other visitors want to help they could do the same. No cost and better than the usual junk we pass around! Well done! Keep going! Membership application actioned! Jim Bellew London, Sun 18 May 17:31:55 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Three great words there Jim! We have been using "Onward Transmission" for quite a while. On many occasions though, we then have to deal with "return" transmission! But we keep going in the hope of hitting that lucky streak until our transmissions are eventually "actioned" Great messages like yours give us that extra spark and it is exactly how we have survived and remained dedicated for so long to the life, times and great works of Joseph Williamson. Just as you say, spreading the word is one of the most important parts of our very being and the result in lovely messages like yours is our reward.We hope you and your friends visit us one day and see the works first hand for yourselves. JM ] Interesting website about a peculiar man. More people should know about Williamson and his legacy to Liverpool. Have FOWT opened the tunnels yet as I noticed it is nearly a year since your news was updated and they would be wonderful to see. Catherine Williams Merseyside, England, Fri 25 Apr 18:33:06 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Our section at Paddington is not open yet Catherine however it will look pretty spectacular when it eventually is. We are currently awaiting the lease to be completed and once this is to hand we will be able to start clearing out the rubble. In case you don't know the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane (opposite Police Station) is open to the public for tours every day and it is well worth a visit. Do keep checking site for details of how we progress. ] After reading the Williamson tunnel story we were disappointed to think that such a man is "under a car park" after doing so much for employment in his time. Ian &Angie Baddeley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, U.K., Sun 16 Mar 20:22:24 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Hi Ian and Angie...said "car park" will not be a car park for much longer folks. It is actually being turned back into a garden by "Grosvenor Henderson" the Developers carrying out the extensive reconstruction works in the area. Grosvenor Henderson are aware of the historical connection to this area and have been very generous and understanding to our cause. In fact the developers were instrumental in our successful search for the grave site and since then we have been in talks with them about helping to design a memorial to Williamson for the garden. If you look back through the "previous news items" on our web site you will see the article and photographs taken when we finally found the grave in Oct 05. To get to previous News items, go to our web site and look at "Latest News" scroll down and click on "More" scroll down to the bottom of the news item and you will see a box containing dates of all previous news items. Click on "Oct 05" There you will see the article and photos of Williamson's Grave. Now...how good are you with a spade! JM] I am so glad that the tunnels have been opened, what a surprise! When I first heard the story of the tunnels, 10 or so years ago, even before the feature on Channel 4 news, the fear was that the tunnels may be destroyed forever, I think, by the construction of a new student building. I moved out of the country and heard nothing until now. Well done for your hard work! I'm definitely coming for a visit when I am in the UK next time. Steffie, Former member of FoWT Steffie Dubery Den Haag, Netherlands, Fri 14 Mar 12:08:34 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Hi Steffie, many thanks for your message and glad you found us. I think you are referring to the Paddington tunnel site which we found in the summer 99. Entrance is just opposite the Bears Paw Pub. A lot of spade work has gone on there since and you will not be disappointed when you visit. JM ] Great photo of the diggers and their machines - have they been put to good use yet? Paula Jones Liverpool, Tue 26 Feb 18:49:05 2008 [ Webmaster replies : If you think the machines are good...wait until you see the new spades Paula! Although the elastic bands have all been checked and wound in readiness we are still waiting for the word "GO" It should not be too long now. JM] Just been for our 1st visit to the tunnels today (3/1/08).Really enjoyable & a good afternoon out.Find it frustrating as would love to see more of the tunnels,maybe in time this will be possible. Adrian Brown St.Helens, Merseyside, UK, Sun 03 Feb 17:17:48 2008 [ Webmaster replies : We have dealt with frustration Adrian, in fact, astronomical amounts of it for nigh on 20 years...so we know how you feel! But do not despair good fellow help is at hand. We presume your tunnel visit was to the Williamson Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane? It is indeed a great tour and the incredible hard work that has gone on down there and of course which is continued daily by the dedicated volunteers, does give a great "taster" for the tunnels and can leave one wanting to see a little more. There is in fact a lot more to see on the Smithdown Lane site for example, the Triple Decker Tunnel however access is not possible at the moment due to Health & Safety, funding and a lot more more besides, but we are working on it with the usual frustrations forever to the fore. Have you joined FoWT? We have "Members Weekends" when we can show our members around those other tunnel sites not as yet open to the public. You will be able to tour the Banqueting Hall and Wine Cellars beneath Williamson's old house on Mason Street and also tour the Paddington section. So don't delay...get your membership today (gosh...that line has given us an idea for a leaflet drop!)You can print a membership form off on-line from our web site. Many thanks for your message Adrian. JM] Hi again, Just reading about the garage and the brick props underneath which brought to mind the hole that appeared in Magnets yard (the large concrete slab that seemed to cave in ) Is this visible from the tunnels? Would be interesting to know. Thanks. J Walsh john Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Wed 16 Jan 01:25:48 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Hi John. No the concrete fill in Magnets car park cannot be seen from the tunnels below Mason Street (yet !) What we do know however is that deep below Magnets is the Great Tunnel one of the entrances to which can be seen from a tunnel leading to the Banqueting Hall situated below Mason Street. The land above the Banqueting Hall though belongs to the Council and in ten years of trying, we have not been granted permission to clear any part of that system out as yet. Hopefully at some stage in the future we may get lucky and clear the passages in that section. It would be a fantastic experience being able to finally step into the Great Tunnel the dimensions of which are awesome. JM] At last visited your site, fantastic. One query, what is the list of http's about in comments dated Feb 2007. some strange addresses? Next step is to print off form and send in to become family members, then will go down tunnels when time allows. keep up the good work . J Walsh john <j> Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Wed 16 Jan 00:51:02 2008 [ Webmaster replies : We are always delighted to welcome new members John and we know you will enjoy the experience in being part of one of the largest local Historical Societies in the UK. Nothing to worry about with the https just a spammer who slipped both the moderator and security net! The message has been removed. JM] I was born in Liverpool and lived there until I was Eighteen. Having always been interested in the underground world, I have now been exploring old abandoned tin and copper mines for over thirty years and now chair the Cornwall Mine Rescue Organisation. Your site has been an eye opener to me and the dedication of your digging crew is commendable.We generally have an 'out of county' jolly for the team about twice a year into North Wales, exploring the slate mines, and so an excursion into Liverpool would not be out of our way. The majority of our team are Mining engineers and surveyors and I'm sure they would all enjoy the trip.I did hear somewhere of the existence of these tunnels but never realised the extent, and the potential for further exploration. The task you have ahead seems mammoth but what a project to be involved in. Uncovering the past for Liverpool and the extraordinary work of Williamson himself. We Wish you great success in your venture. Roy Morton and the members of CMRO. roy morton Redruth, Cornwall, U.K., Tue 01 Jan 05:07:37 2008 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for your message Roy and good to hear from a fellow underground explorer. We would be delighted to act as hosts to you and your team and show you around the various sites whenever you plan to visit Liverpool especially in our European Capital of Culture Year. I will email you off site and provide you with our active team contact details. Engineers and Surveyors are always bowled over by the extent and intricacies of the work undertaken by Williamson and his men and we know your visit will be rewarding and most worthwhile JM] The virtual tour has convinced me that I must visit these tunnels. Who knows, I may be a relative. Roger Williamson Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, Mon 31 Dec 22:37:47 2007 [ Webmaster replies : We bow to thee Mr Williamson...(just in case!) You are not far away from us Roger and a visit will be well worth the effort. We are not as yet sure of the dates this year when the Paddington and Mason Street sites will be open, it is going to be a mad year (!) however, the Williamson Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane is open most days (closed Monday)Check web site for details/opening times and keep looking into our site for details of our members visits...hint...if you are not a member yet, best to join to see those areas of tunnels not open to the general public! Thank you for your message Roger. Jim M ] I picked up Ryan Denise's book Betrayed where she acknowledges FOWT. I was curious and wandered into your tunnels. Interesting I must say. Will definitely visit Liverpool on my next trip to UK. Its mind boggling that so much is beneath the ground and none of the buildings above the tunnels have caved in !! Awesome. Padma Dilip Kumar HongKong, Sat 29 Dec 14:48:20 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Thanks for your message Padma, and a first from Hong Kong - how exciting. Amazing how the Williamson story spans the globe. Although none of the tunnels have caved in from the buildings above, a lot of the tunnels have been filled in from the buildings that stood above them! Easy (and cheaper)way of quickly disposing of the rubble which is the main focus of our attention...trying to clear them out! Well worth a visit next time you are in the UK. You can drop into the Williamson Heritage Centre in Smithdown Lane for a most informative and rewarding trip into the past. Keep looking into web site for up-dates and members visits during the year Jim M ] I was pleased to read about the tunnels being used as a setting for a film (think it an Edgar Alan Poe story). Is it possible to buy a copy of the film and the tunnels in full colour glory? What are the chances of George Cloony filming "Oceans 14" in the banqueting hall? Paula Jones Liverpool, Tue 04 Dec 18:24:43 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Hi Paula. sorry for the delay in responding to your message but we have been making enquiries with regard to your request for information about buying a copy of the film "The Cask" The Film was produced by Andris Films their web site is: www.andrisfilms.co.uk. I have been checking their web site on a daily basis however it is still under construction and I have not been able to contact them to make relevant enquiries. (we would also love to see the film!) Perhaps if you keep an eye on the site it may eventually be completed and you can deal with them direct. As for George Clooney filming in the tunnels, with looking like his double, I would be an automatic choice to act as his stand-in for the stunt scenes (digging with spade etc!)(if only!)Of course, our FoWT Active Team are a pretty experienced bunch of "extras" having appeared on telly in all sorts of things - Songs of Praise springs immediatly to mind when they filmed us on a visit to the city for a memorable episode. We were a bit upset though as we all sang "Underneath The Arches" in the Banqueting Hall and they edited it out! Not fair really as we all thought we were quite brilliant! Jim M ] Are the tunnels open to the public during the winter? The website only shows summer opening times. Christine Coburn Liverpool, Tue 27 Nov 19:51:56 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Yes the tunnels at the Williamson Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane are open during the winter months Christine but not every day. Check the JWS web site for details here: http://www.williamsontunnels.co.uk/view.php?page=information ] When I was a student at Liverpool, I once read that bears lived in the tunnels underneath Liverpool... and even today the odd bear is still spotted? These bears originated from Victorian times when they were kept as pets. any truth behind this? thanks, Pablo Pablo Wiedemann Eindhoven, Noord Brabant, The Netherlands, Fri 09 Nov 14:54:43 2007 [ Webmaster replies : WANTED...volunteers for tunnel digging duties £500.00 per hour, free meals thrown in, free room and board at Adelphi Hotel. Estimated life expectancy down below...2 hours tops! Well, I'm not digging down there anymore Pablo too dangerous if you ask me and our Health & Safety Enclosed Spaces Certificate doesn't cover Bears! No, none of us have ever heard of bears roaming about the tunnels and never found any evidence of them (not yet anyway!) Also never heard that the Victorians kept them as pets. Do you think this could be a "Lost in Translation" thing and what you actually heard was that the Victorians kept "Chairs" in the tunnels? In which case...yes they did and indeed we do have a variety of chairs still down there today. Many thanks for your message JM ] Hi On a previous visit to your website, I thought I had read something about a Halloween night at the tunnels. Now I can't find it. Are you holding the event again this year and if so when? KAREN DEVINE Wirral, Merseyside, uk, Wed 26 Sep 13:35:55 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Hi Karen, The Halloween Night was held in 2006 and it was such a great success it is indeed being held again this year however, the event is run by our friends at the "Joseph Williamson Society" and is held at the "Williamson Heritage Centre" in Smithdown Lane (just opposite the Police Station) Details for the event are on the Joseph Williamson Web site at this link: http://www.williamsontunnels.co.uk/view.php?page=news If I wasn't so scared of the dark...I would go myself! Have a good time. JM] I was raised and lived in 52a Mason Street until we moved in 1941. We lived in the lower part of a furniture factory alongside the railway wall and we had an opening in our cellar which presumably was part of the tunnel system. We never knew what it was until I found your website some years ago. I must come and visit next time we are in the good old city. Aleck Cameron Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, Wed 29 Aug 18:55:46 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Absolutely Aleck. It would be wonderful to meet you and your knowledge of the area could be of great value. It would be of benefit if you joined FoWT so you can visit those parts of the system not as yet open to the public. See web site for details. Do keep in touch via our web site and look out for future visits. JM ] I grew up in Blanch Street and never knew about the tunnels that were probably under our house until I found your website. It was fantastic to visit the heritage centre and actually enter the tunnels. Thank you to Barbara, our guide, for a very informative tour, keep digging and we'll be back. Bill, Leicester Bill (ex-pat) Liverpool (visiting), Thu 23 Aug 02:33:37 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the tour Bill and hopefully we may have uncovered a lot more before you return. Think you will have visited the Williamson Heritage Centre in Smithdown Lane which is open most days and a warm welcome is extended to all. JM] As a Scouser in exile I have just now stumbled onto your fantastic site.I only wish I had known earlier about the Williamson Tunnels. It is amazing that the Liverpool Echo never carried the story when I was a kid living very near Smithdown Lane. It is also very frustrating tht I will have difficulty quizzing my dad about any recollections he may have - he is now 95 and almost blind and deaf. He spent all of his childhood in Smithdown Lane as did my grandparents before they moved to nearby Tunnel Road where my grandad was a carter at Edge Hill Railway Depot. Perhaps if I visit the Heritage Centre with my dad next time I visit from my home in Germany he may have a few memories to share. Would it be difficult for him to access? He is not too steady on his feet these days. We usually hold his arm to give support. Let me know if you need a translation of any tour from English into German. Good wishes for further and possible more accelerated success in your endeavours in conjunction with the 2008 European Culture City initiative. Eddie Martin Eddie Martin Düsseldorf, Germany, Sun 19 Aug 18:17:57 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Leesten velly curfally, I vill say dis only wance...ve haff vays ov making yoo dig..! Good to hear from you Eddie and thanks for taking the time out to contact us with your interesting story. The first message from Germany methinks. Firstly it should not be a problem with your dad visiting the "Heritage Centre" in Smithdown Lane, he can even have a coffee beneath the double tunnel in the bar there. The other sites (for members only and not yet open to the public)where ladders and steps are involved may prove a little tricky until more accessible routes into the system are eventually found. The Echo do carry some excellent news items on the tunnels from time to time the most famous one, and the one for which we will be forever grateful was on May 15th 1925 when Mr Charles Hand President of Lancashire and Cheshire Historical Society with other members in tow...visited Williamson's tunnels at Paddington and walked for nearly a mile underground through the system without finding a boundary. It is thanks to that article that we knew about the Paddington site...long since filled in, forgotten and hidden from view....that is until our intrepid Active Team eventually re-discovered the site in July 1999! The work is still continuing in the Paddington system. Perhaps your dad may remember the article there is reference to it on our web site? Be good to meet with you next time you are over. JM ] fascinating! stumbled across your page whilst researching family name,you need some national exposure i.e. Timewatch. Did they get used as shelters during WW2? Ray Williamson Uxbridge, Middx, England, Sun 12 Aug 01:23:39 2007 [ Webmaster replies : We would love Timewatch to do a program about the tunnels Ray but I think we would have to clear quite a bit of the system out first! If we were able to re-discover the two houses carved out of the sandstone below ground and perhaps find a way into the Great Tunnel and clear that out together with the Tripple Decker Tunnel...we may be in with a shout. Still we have had some good TV coverage over the years and we are sure there will be more to come. To our knowledge the tunnels were not used as air raid shelters during WW2, the Council did though carry out a feasibility study for such a use but concluded they would not be practicable, probably due to access and sanitation (lack of) JM ] I visited the FoWT stand at Woodvale Rally in August. Amazed at the enthusiasm and interest shown. Sad that work is taking so long. Intend visiting in the near future. All good wishes for your future efforts. Will keep an eye on your website from time to time. david stuckey ormskirk, lancs, UK, Sat 04 Aug 16:07:37 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Always an excellent venue Woodvale David and it was good to meet you there. It is frustrating (especially after 12 years!) waiting to excavate various parts of the tunnels. Going through all the legal channels can be slow and time consuming but once we start...there will be no stopping us! The exciting thing that keeps us all going though is wondering what new wonders we will uncover. JM] My hubby and I would love to become involved in the dig. We have plenty of time to spare and also it would be an honour to do it. What do we need to do to become invovled? Lynn Lynn Mills Liverpool, Tue 19 Jun 23:42:43 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Simple Lynn...you and hubby come along and borrow my spade, I show you where to dig and then I go for sit down and cup-a-tea... as if I would give my spade up!! You can contact the active team via the web site Lynn the more helpers the better. JM ] If anyone is North West based and wants to see the stageplay KING OF EDGE HILL by Karen Brown which won the Liverpool Post and Echo Award in 2002 it's being produced again at Liverpool Unity Theatre for 3 nights only 19th 20th 21st July. It is based upon the Radio 4 play with John McArdle originally broadcast in 2000. Tickets are going fast Sean McKee <bigbyron@blueyonder.co.uk> liverpool, Fri 15 Jun 19:41:48 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks Sean I am sure there will be plenty looking in who will take those remaining tickets. JM] I grew up in Huyton and had heard rumours about the tunnels around th Edge Hill area so I was pleased to 'stumble' upon your website. Next time I visit Liverpool I will try and check your tunnels out for real. All the best, Martin Martin Bretherick Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Wed 13 Jun 14:27:27 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Funny rumours Martin arn't they, sometimes one simply nods in agreement...'oh yes heard about them tunnels, "Mad Mole wasn't he...oh sorry yes he was actually the "King of Edge Hill" dug tunnels all over the place' And then out of the blue someone says they have actually been down the tunnels on a guided tour or stumbled across a web site with information all about them and suddenly the rumours start to become reality and when the realisation dawns that they were not really rumours and indeed, if you are lucky enough to suddenly find yourself standing in the awe- inspiring Banqueting Hall beneath Joseph Williamson's former house...you realise those whispers had a profound element of truth. It is with this in mind we do hope you make the trip back to the Pool one day. Many thanks for your message Martin and do keep looking in. JM] I have just visited the site and was overwhelmed by how informative it is. I was also pleasantly surprised to read about the great co-operation you have received from the developers of the Paradise Street area, it is often not the case that heritage speaks louder than money, well done FoWT and Grosvenor Henderson. I will be visiting the tunnels with my young son this summer and after visiting the site I can't wait!!! Estelle Lundy Liverpool, M,side, England, Tue 05 Jun 22:39:09 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for your kind message Estelle and we are delighted you will be visiting the tunnels soon with your son. We are indeed fortunate it is Grosvenor Henderson carrying out the Paradise Street area development for they have been a tower of strength in helping to preserve the memory of Joseph Williamson and indeed, it is thanks to their own interest in local preservation coupled with resiliance and patience that the final resting place of the great man was eventually uncovered. We can never really thank them enough. We know you will enjoy your visit just as many of us did first time around. JM ] We have just had the most fascinating day filming with your FOWT reps, Chris, Nora and Steve for our upcoming series of Lost Treasures. Our series begins on Sunday April 26th and the episode involving the tunnels goes out I believe on Sunday June 17th at 5.30. On behalf of producer Phil Hirst and presenter Mark Olly, I am writing both to commend your excellent work and also to ask if we could exchange links with you from www.lost-treasures.co.uk We are just updating the site and would like to acknowledge the support of those who helped us make the series. It's all about enthusiasts in the region making sure that our heritage is brought to light, and the story of FoWT is one of perseverence which does justice to the extraordinary endeavour of the early 1800's. We hope that you and your guests will both find the rest of our series interesting too. On behalf of the Lost Treasures team we wish you the very best of luck with your organisation. Keith Thompson Wirral, UK, Mon 16 Apr 22:17:40 2007 [ Webmaster replies : The FoWT Active Support Team were delighted to be able to assist Keith especially for such an important and interesting programme. We know our friends at the JWS over at the Williamson Heritage Centre are also looking forward to your visit and they too will make you all most welcome. We all look forward to seeing the "Lost Treasures" broadcast and hope the incredible legacy of our unsung hero Joseph Williamson helps swell the viewing figures. We all hope the new series is a great success. We are flattered by your request to be included in the links section of your Lost Treasures Web Site and of course we readily agree and are grateful for the inclusion. On behalf of the Trustees and Committee and all our devoted members we thank you for your very kind message and do rest assured...the good work continues. JM] I have just finished reading the Recollections of old liverpool (a real copy)and you attribute the book to a James Stonehouse but i can find no trace of him on any census returns, where did he live, and does he have any present day family? Nick Wirral, Wed 21 Mar 20:04:07 2007 [ Webmaster replies : Thanks for your interesting question Nick. We hope you enjoyed the book, with its lucid description of the Williamson tunnels, and indeed you have our congratulations on tracking down an original copy! Stonehouse wasn't born in Liverpool, but lived most of his adult life here - from the 1830s until he died in 1890. We're not too sure about any surviving descendants, but if our researchers do trace any we'll make it known here on the site." Keep looking in. JM ] Went to see the tunnels when they where digging them out,you had to squeeze through a small opening to get a view,there where torches on the walls. Been back since, marvellous,what a great job you have done. EDWARD HOEY Liverpool, Lancashire, ENGLAND, Wed 04 Oct 10:59:25 2006 [ Webmaster replies : We are still trying to squeeze through small openings Edward!! Once we get the green light to commence operations the small openings can be cleared out when we know we will find even bigger ones! Glad you enjoyed your visit and hope you keep coming back and looking in. JM] My husband and I stumbled upon the tunnels quite by chance as we were looking for the tunnels that link Liverpool to Birkenhead on out recent weekend trip to the North. How amazing these tunnels are!! It is incredible to think how Williamson managed the arches and tunneling without any of today's equipment or technology. Well worth a visit Susan Birmingham, West Midlands, UK, Sun 01 Oct 18:52:46 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for your kind endorsement Susan and glad you stumbled across us. Not sure if you have done the tour yet but you can visit the Williamson Heritage Centre in Smithdown Lane any day of the week and you could book your place for the November Members visits (every Sat and Sun during month of November) when you can visit those sites not yet open to the public. (see web site for details) Do keep looking in as there is lots in the pipe-line and it would be great to see if you can make it back down during November. JM] I love reading about the Williamson Tunnels especially because I was born and bred in Paddington Gardens. When we were kids in the 1960s, we used to play by the Army Barracks opposit our tenements block and the lads used to go down big holes there but wouldn't let us girls follow them. My two brothers and their mates would disappear down there for hours but never told our mams or dads. We knew there were tunnels down there but we all thought they were part of the air-raid shelters at each side of our tenements (Paddington Gardens) Me and my friends went on the Williamson tour last year and could not believe we actually lived over these tunnels, we told the tour guide where we used to live. I am very proud of where I was born and my children tell all their mates but I dont think they believe me!!! Elizabeth Orr Liverpool, Sat 30 Sep 21:13:37 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Well I am sure they will believe you now Elizabeth! Would love the opportunity to meet with your brothers for we would have many questions for them...it sounds like they could well have been in what we call "The great Tunnel" that runs below what is now the "Magnets" site next to Joseph Williamson's House on Mason Street. As you will know, Magnets now stands on the same spot the Army Barracks occupied. There is no access to the Great Tunnel at present and any information we can glean about it is always most welcome. Why not make a family booking for the November Members visits when you could treat your brothers and other family members to a tour of the tunnels beneath Williamsons house (the Banqueting Hall and Wine Bins) and the Paddington Section (see web site for details) Many thanks for your most interesting message and we hope to see you again soon. JM ] I have not yet visited the tunnels but saw a signpost when I was visiting my son recently. Curious to know what the place was I looked on the internet and found this site. What a WONDER! This is one of the best sites I have visited and after doing your virtual tour I will certainly visit the tunnels when I am in Liverpool again. Lesley Managhan Stratford upon Avon, Warks, England, Thu 31 Aug 16:33:56 2006 [ Webmaster replies : To dig or not to dig; that is the question Lesley! Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune by driving past the tunnel sign and then take arms against our guestbook and a sea of troubles. And by opposing the sign, the heartache and the thousand natural shocks of the world wide web that flesh is heir to ‘tis a consummation devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep; To sleep perchance to dream; ay, there’s the rub; for in that sleep of death what dreams may come of missed caverns and passageways that were once but a stones throw but now seem so far distant as we shuffle off this mortal coil. But you give us pause…there’s the respect that makes calamity of so long life, for who would bear the whips and scorns of time. The oppressors wrong, the proud man’s contumely. The pangs of regret will subside and till you return your dreams will hide; how deep, how wide ‘tis great divide and what wisdom so inclined created arches so refined. Hope you visit soon Lesley and many thanks for your kind message and the first from beautiful Stratford Upon Avon methinks...oh...didn't Shakespeare come from there!! JM ] What a fascinating website Mr Williamson intrigues me. Would love to pay a visit to the tunnels, but I don't travel well these days. John John Baxter Hull, Yorkshire, UK, Wed 16 Aug 16:55:56 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Sorry you don't travel too well John but delighted the web site gave you a good insight into the tunnels. JM ] Well done to all of you who are involved in this project, I found the tunnels fascinating and had a really enjoyable conversation with my tour guide! Very best of luck with your continuing adventure! I'll be back... Scott Milne Dundee, Tayside, Scotland, Fri 07 Jul 13:27:22 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed your visit Scott and you will be more than welcome to come back...just as a lot of other people do time and time again. Funny, doesn't matter how many times our Trustees or Committee go down the tunnels...which must run into hundreds over the years...we never get bored with it, suppose the sheer scale of the undeertaking and the intricate work never ceases to amaze us. Many thanks for your message and the first from Dundee methinks. JM] AMAZING, An incredible architectural achievement for the time the tunnels were built. I work for London Underground and will endeavour to add publicity to this attraction amongst my customers. I look forward to visiting again. Duncan Crook London, Middlesex, Mon 22 May 18:31:41 2006 [ Webmaster replies : How kind of you Duncan thank you from all the Friends and you can rest assured that if your goodself and any customers you are able to pursuade to come up to visit the tunnels will be assured of a good Scouse welcome and will thoroughly enjoy their weekend in Liverpool. JM] Hi there...I'm a cab driver in this great City of ours, and I would just like to say that we have something here that is so unique. I can't understand why we are not making the most out of these tunnels! Can anyone think of anywhere else in the world that could match this? This man Joseph Williamson has created a unique underworld. What needs to be done...it needs to be showm to the WORLD what we have in our city, its a creation only seen in movies! Come on guys what needs to be done...rebuild Williamsons house, take it back in time, recreate it for the visitors, try and get some history built in Mason Street just take it all back in time and show the things people had in differant times like the things found in the tunnels. Just think it would be a major tourist attraction, cant get the funds...ask the Scousers, yes, ask the people of Liverpool, it would be something they would all put in for [its OUR history] get the Echo involved, we can only win guys. To get the most out of anything, you need to push it as much as you can ...look what Disney did with a drawing of a mouse! Lets get all on board that can help, don't think about it, if Williamson was alive today he would be telling everyone all about his underworld...think big guys and move it! Paul Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, Mon 24 Apr 02:32:02 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Stirring stuff Paul and you reflect the same enthusiasm and endeavor as all our members and Committee. Firstly though, take Mason Street for example, the site of Williamson's house...we cannot apply for funding or grants for the site as we do not actually own it...the Council own it and although they very kindly allow us access to the site for showing members and special visitors down the Banqueting Hall and Wine Bins beneath the land at various times during the course of the year, we have no authority whatsoever to carry out any major or even minor excavations. To rebuild Williamson's house and do what we would all like to do would run into many hundreds of thousands of pounds, this is without taking into account the cost of purchase or lease of the house site itself. So you can see the frustration in that regard that has haunted us for ten years now. The present Paddington Tunnel site was also once owned by the City Council when it was the old "Paddington Gardens" the Council knocked Paddington Gardens down and then sold the land to developers who built the present Student Village on the site. We actually found the Paddington section of the tunnels in 1999 (after the site was sold) and whilst the student village was being built! The student village has changed owners a number of times in the past few short years since, thereby hampering our applications for a lease to the tunnel site. However, the present owners of the student village and indeed the Council have been greatly supportive to our cause and we are closer than we have ever been in securing a lease. Once we have the lease, we will be able to explore further into the depths of Paddington and who knows where those depths will lead! We do our best with regard to publicity, a browse through our web site guestbook will show we attract visitors from all over the world. We have also featured on the television show "The History Channel" when they filmed an episode in the tunnels for their series entitled "Secret Passages" The BBC, right across the spectrum have carried prime-time programs on Joseph Williamson and the tunnels at Edge Hill including a BBC Radio Play written by Karen Brown and aired on Radio 4 a couple of years ago, it was later turned into a stage play. Locally, our friends at Radio Merseyside have been absolute stalwarts in their support for the tunnels and regularly give us a mention. The Liverpool Daily Post and Echo have also been magnificent in their support regularly carrying double page features on the tunnels indeed, it is thanks to the Post and Echo that we actually found the Paddington section of the tunnels in the first place! Our researchers found an article, published in the Daily Post in 1925 when the Historian Charles Hand, the then president of the Lancashire and Cheshire Historical Society, visited the “deep tunnels” built by Joseph Williamson at 126 Paddington with other members of the Society. The article carried photographs and a good description of the visit and the site. Without the benefit of that article we may never have found the Paddington section of the tunnels so we all appreciate the importance of publicity. To see what can be done when everything falls into place, visit the Williamson Heritage Centre in Smithdown Lane where our friends at the Joseph Williamson Society oversee a tremendous attraction and together with some of our volunteers have done a magnificent job in excavating an important part of the tunnel experience. The hard work continues behind the scenes Paul…we never stop and if you would like to find a ready audience for your infectious enthusiasm and become more involved then do join us...in fact, anyone looking in with ideas and fresh input will always be most welcome we are certainly not a closed shop. Many thanks for your message Paul. JM ] Fantastic Site. It's good to see that someone is doing their best to preserve Liverpool Heritage for a change instead of destroying it Ed Hurley brisbane, queensland, Australia, Mon 17 Apr 11:30:17 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks Ed, glad you liked the site. Yes it is sad about some of the magnificent buildings we have lost over the years but there are still many remaining and indeed some spectacular ones are currently under construction. It is hard work this tunnel business Ed especially as we are all volunteers but the thing is we all "love it" and it can be exciting at times, especially when we know we might find another section...do keep looking in as we might find one soon! JM] I was born in Port Sunlight, Wirral. A friend drew my attention to the book called "Boll***s to Alton Towers" as it had a section on Port Sunlight, it also had a section about the tunnels. I went to Liverpool Univerity in the 50s so knew the area fairly well. I used to shop in Smithdown Road (model railway shop)I think you are doing a wonderful job, hope I can visit one day before its too late. Carl Watson Carl Watson whakatane, New Zealand, Sun 02 Apr 01:58:46 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Lovely village Port Sunlight Carl...we take part in the annual local history fayre held in Hulm Hall there every year. It is one of those golden opportunities we have of spreading the word about the tunnels and meeting many new friends interested in local history. It is a great occasion and I can fully recommend it to anyone looking in and planning a visit...a Google search for Port Sunlight should produce the details and of course one can take advantage of the other attractions in the village like the incredible Lady Lever Art Gallery and er...the olde worlde pub! Great to have a message from New Zealand and many thanks for your support Carl. ] I will bring my daughter and everyone I know. My first visit to Liverpool and the reason I went. I was in awe. The Scouse welcome was superb and please let me know of any continuing donations a Southerner can make. I look forward to my next visit. The best day out ever!!! Richard Sittingbourne, Kent, UK, Sun 26 Mar 23:29:03 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you took in the "tunnel experience" and enjoyed your first visit to Liverpool Richard. You certainly brought the weather with you; what a great day we had on Saturday. We would certainly look forward to seeing you again and the more family and friends you bring the merrier. Any and all donations are always welcome...new members especially, for we think this year may well be one one of major new discoveries (if all goes according to plan!) and with the price of skips these days...every little helps! Many thanks for your kind words. JM ] I look forward to the day when the entire complex has been investigated, cleared and is opened to the public.May I suggest though that atmospheric music and lighting be added throughout? The tunnels would then be an even more awesome experience than they are now. PJ Mulholland Clubmoor, Liverpool, UK, Mon 13 Mar 00:33:31 2006 [ Webmaster replies : We all look forward to that great day Mr Mulholland indeed even opening a third of the system would be quite awesome The music suggestion is a sore point though...at one time, half way through tours of the Banqeting Hall section of the tunnels, without warning, we would suddenly blast out the Sequentia from Mozart's Requiem however, too many members and visitors were dropping dead through fright! We then started playing music by Sir Cliff and the Shads but then people just killed themselves for the sheer hell of it!! Joking apart, it would be a good idea to have some sort of piped music, say in one of the Reception chambers before the start of the tour to sort of "set the scene." We have found though that the best atmosphere underground are the tunnels themselves...the total silence...couple this with candle light that would have been used when the tunnels were being constructed and indeed, have used ourselves in the past for various filming events and the result is totally atmospheric. Health and Safety would require a certain amount of light for visitors nevertheless, even adaquete lighting still leaves darkened corners and shadows and being 30ft below ground knowing you are standing on 40ft of rubble and wondering what you will find once it is cleared...that is some atmosphere! Many thanks for your message and if you have not joined us...please do, will be great to see you. JM] I really enjoyed the tunnels today and I feel that the overall effort made by the volenteers and the 'hard core' diggers was amazing. I loved the tour and plan to become a volunteer in the furture. I intend to spread the word around my school and friends. I will be asking my head of year if we can organize a school trip to the tunnels as I feel that the year 9 of Wade Deacon High School will benefit from the experience. I was slightly scared of the dark before entering the tunnels but now I have overcome this petty whim and am "dark-scared free!" Thanks for everything and I WILL be visiting in the coming weeks again. Kate Galligan aged 13 kate galligan Widnes, cheshire, England, Fri 24 Feb 20:58:03 2006 [ Webmaster replies : What a truly lovely message Kate thank you so much and we are absolutely delighted you visited the tunnels and benefited from the experience. As for being "Dark-Scared-Free" erm...I will follow you around next time you visit as I'm petrified of the dark!! :-) School trips do indeed benefit from visiting the tunnels and if you steer your Head of Year to our web site I am sure they will be pleased to organsise a visit when all will be most welcome. JM] We visited today and really enjoyed it - I feel that the tunnels could be promoted more and intend to spread the word around my local area. The tour was really informative and the volunteers were great - if in any doubt about going round the tunnels don't hesitate I really recommend it. Gwyn & Jim Hilton Widnes, Cheshire, England, Fri 24 Feb 20:52:34 2006 [ Webmaster replies : First hand experience is a great way of advertising the tunnels folks and we are grateful to you both for going forth and spreading the word. The hard core regular few, even though greatly limited financially, do tremendous work in promoting the tunnels. For example, practically every week the team are out and about up and down the county doing talks/visual displays to a wide variety of different groups telling the tunnels story when as well as bringing in much needed funds, it also leads to more people visiting the tunnels and (hopefully) more new members joining the Friends. The local press... Liverpool Daily Post and Echo including Radio Merseyside, are indeed very kind to us and carry periodical features on the tunnels, they are also first at the gate when we have breaking news or as is sometimes the case, complaints about certain matters that sometimes arrise or stand in our way. All in all, even though we are all volunteers, we are delighted to have built up a very good relationship over the years with the media and have been very fortunate in appearing in many high profile TV and radio programs on the tunnels as well as seeing the tunnels and the story of JW being used for film, plays and major radio broadcasts. The work continues and we are always inspired when we receive kind messages such as yours. We do hope you come and visit us again soon and indeed if you become members you can visit those parts of the tunnels not as yet open to the public. JM ] Visited the tunnels today and was very impressed. It is obvious that the tunnels are a unique attraction and should be publicised a lot more. The volunteers should be praised and commended for their passion and enthusiasm and I really want to pick up my spade and dig!!!!!! Jill Galligan Widnes, Cheshire, England, Fri 24 Feb 20:50:07 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed your visit Jill and delighted you own your own spade you're welcome anytime!! A lot does go on behind the scenes regarding publicising the tunnels and over the years we have been successful in welcoming many film and broadcasting media outlets into the tunnels including the major TV channels (we even appeared on Songs of Praise once!) Most these are mentioned on our web site under "Previous News" items. Hope to see you again soon Jill many thanks for looking us up and for your kind thoughts. JM] Superb and deeply fascinating site. How I envy you your tunnels! johnathan oswin Northumberland, Fri 24 Feb 18:04:27 2006 [ Webmaster replies : No need to envy us Jonathan...why not join us! All are welcome and you can take advantage of our organsised members visits and make a weekend of it. JM] Superb web site, glad to see someone cares for Liverpool's history and culture. Well done team, keep up the good work. As a reminder, I work in the railway industry and the tunnels around the Edge Hill area are amazing, is there a connection here to the Mole of Edge Hill? Chrissy Heron C HERON <chris.heron01@btinternet.com> LIVERPOOL, M/SIDE, U.K, Tue 24 Jan 19:20:26 2006 [ Webmaster replies : No direct connection Chrissy inasmuch as JW did not actually build the Edge Hill railway tunnels however some of his men would certainly have worked on them as they were experienced in that particular field especially the "cut and cover" method used in the tunnel construction. Many thanks for your message. JM] I was brought up in Edge Hill, went to Chatsworth St School and during WWII often went to the air raid shelters under the (then) new flats on Mason St. A few schoolmates and myself often went to the top of the flats to watch the bombers and our fighters, and can always remember the clear blue September skies when the bombers arrived. Even now I can remember people asking why the Williamson tunnels had not been made into shelters. I can never recall any of my contempories actually venturing into the tunnels and when I left Liverpool for Manchester in the early 1950s, I seem to recall that the site was being used as a vehicle repair yard. Please keep pushing for proper recognition of this site and also ask for memories of the people who lived in the Paddington area and who could fill out the history of a once bustling (even though impoverished) working class area. Best wishes Mike Mitchell Mike Mitchell Hove East Sussex, uk, england, Mon 02 Jan 16:11:08 2006 [ Webmaster replies : Firstly, congratulations Mike yours is the first message in our guestbook for 2006 and it is extra special inasmuch as this is the TENTH year since the formation of FoWT! Many thanks for sharing your childhood memories with us and what memories they are! It would seem inconceivable to some people looking in today that just over 50 years ago children stood atop Paddington Gardens watching enemy aircraft dropping bombs! The Williamson tunnels were considered for use as air raid shelters Mike however they were deemed by the Council Inspectors as "not suitable" We do indeed take careful note of the memories and tales of former residents of Edge Hill which has helped us a great deal over the years in not only extending our knowledge of the area but has also helped us in mapping various parts of the tunnel system that as yet(!)we do not have access to. You are correct about the Vehicle Repair Yard which was on the site of Joseph Williamson's house beneath which is the cavernous Banqueting Hall and the Wine Bins that we explore today. Many thanks for your message Mike JM ]