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 Jan to June 2005 July to Dec 2004 Jan to June 2004 July to Dec 2003 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 ] Looking back on my comments posted in December 2004 with the reply hoping that 2005 would be a momentous year for The Friends of Williamson Tunnels, I can only repeat what I said then. To the diggers, friends and indeed everyone connected with this project who give so much of their time and effort on an entirely voluntary basis to ensure that we get to the end of the tunnel, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Who knows what lies beyond the grave knowing that in 2005 we discovered Joseph Williamson's? What other amazing discovery lies beneath our feet, just waiting for that shiny spade to break through? We cannot rest, although the seasonal break is welcome. See you all in 2006. Eric Cope Liverpool, United Kingdom, Mon 19 Dec 14:25:45 2005 [ Webmaster replies : What is a "shiny" spade Eric?! AND...what's all this "Seasonal Break" business! You are right though, as we chase down streets criss-crossed with red tape and slowly knock down those concrete barriers that seemed forever set before us, the discovery of the great mans grave was most certainly a "Halleluiah" moment. As you say, lets hope there are more such moments in 2006, we have a feeling there could be! Thank you for your kind thoughts and inspiring message. JM ] I had a call from a Pauline Jendro in California thanking me for her new FoWT membership and asking who had purchased it for her. If the purchaser should read this would he or she let me or Pauline know as she would like to thank them. Frank Hodges <membership@williamsontunnels.com> Liverpool, UK, Thu 15 Dec 17:35:07 2005 [ Webmaster replies : What a great idea...treat someone to a membership this Christmas! JM ] Even though I've never been to England I think that Liverpool seems a mighty interesting place . I might visit someday. Thanks for the info- it sounds weird down there! Jez Walker New York, New Jersey, USA, Thu 08 Dec 12:06:06 2005 [ Webmaster replies : A warm welcome Jez good to hear from our cousins across the pond. Yes...parts of the tunnels are "weird" but pretty spectacularly weird, it is part of the magnetism that attracts all those involved and indeed the reason why visitors return time after time. We hope you can make it over yourself one day. Thank you for looking in and we are glad you found the site informative. JM ] I think that it is great that there is so much information in this website - almost too much to research it in two English lessons! Lizzie Canterbury, Kent, England, Thu 08 Dec 12:00:43 2005 [ Webmaster replies : GOSH! It seems to me Lizzie that our web site is becoming popular in English lessons...are we now on the curriculum? Amanda, who left the previous message, was also in an English Lesson, are you both in the same class perhaps? Still, don't worry, we don't mind a bit, the more the merrier and indeed, we are absolutely delighted to be of assistance to students and those wishing to learn something totally different from the norm. The fact our assistance extends to English...as well as History...is a great bonus! Any spilling mastakyes in the web site text is not my fault though...that's all down to Blill!!! Hope you find the time to look in again Lizzie, please DON'T do it in a MATHS lesson though...we will start getting too big headed!! Thank you so much for your kind message. JM] I really enjoyed looking round your site. It made a real change from our normal English lessons and not just because it was different. I had never thought that there was someone who would do something like this- it seems really pointless. I would like to find out more about Mr. Williamson because he sounds a very interesting person- I think he was probably a bit eccentric. Thank you for showing this fascinating information in an easy to access format. Amanda Thomas Thu 08 Dec 11:54:46 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Good synopsis for your English lesson Amanda. Indeed, Williamson was a most interesting fellow and people today with far less interesting lives, have written books about themselves! Also "spot-on" regarding your "eccentric" summation, Williamson would have been a joy to behold in today's "I'm a celebrity get me out of here!" I am sure as well as being crowned "The King of Edge Hill" he would also have been crowned "King of the Jungle" Yes he was most certainly eccentric but also very kind with a great love for those less fortunate than himself. Don't know about the "pointless bit!" You could of course be absolutely right... there again...think of "method in madness!" We don't think the tunnels were a pointless excercise...just a look around parts of the system tells you that, the fun, is finding out more! Thanks you for your kind endorsement of our web site, it does mean a lot to us. Do keep looking in Amanda and be sure to tell your friends about us. JM] I cant believe i grew up on Lodge Lane and Holt Road as a kid but never knew about the tunnels, its amazing! I'm in the RAF now but as soon as i get some leave I'll be home to check the tunnels out they're fascinating. You're site is brilliant, very informative and easy to work around Thanks Dave Vardy Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, Wed 07 Dec 16:48:24 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Brill...look forward to seeing you Dave especially if there are FREE flights involved courtesy of the RAF for all great new tunnel mates!! It is surprising the amount of local people who don't know about the tunnels and we are delighted when former residents like your goodself come across our web site and read about the tunnels for the first time...even more delighted when they pay us a visit and indeed you will be made most welcome. Please note: Car parking is not a problem or vertical take-off jets (Harriers etc)or helicopters, B52s may prove a bit tricky!! JM ] Fascinating site; I came through a recommendation from Hughie Jones whose new CD features two songs about Williamson. I'd never realised the tunnels' existence but read the information with great interest. Thank you very much for the work you're putting in to uncovering the truth! Dave Hatton Canterbury, Kent, UK, Tue 06 Dec 20:09:04 2005 [ Webmaster replies : And what a good song Hughie's is Dave. We had the pleasure of Hughie's company at the official opening of the Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane and he treated us all to a rendition of the song with his guitar from atop of the double tunnel (great acoustics!) He really captured the moment. Delighted you enjoyed the web site and many thanks for your kind message. JM] I lived for 34 years in and around Edge Hill, as a kid I used to play all over Mason Street and the surrounding area. I remember at one time we dug a hole in someones back garden and a few feet down we uncovered brick path which we believed at the time was an old garden shed , looking back now it was probably part off the tunnel structure! I found your site very informative and for years all us kids from Edge hill were aware that there were tunnels under the area but, like most Liverpool kids we were scared of our Dads if they found out we were messing about in dangerous areas fred tyrer perth, W/Australia, Australia, Tue 29 Nov 04:04:11 2005 [ Webmaster replies : A warm welcome Fred and once again we are delighted to have been able to throw light on the past for a former resident of the Edge Hill area. YES... it probably was the roof of a tunnel you uncovered all those years ago Fred and if by any chance you can remember the number of the house where you uncovered it,or the name of the family who lived there, do please let us know, it could be very important. What a great shame it was "heritage" and "wonderous works" were not a priority or even appreciated all those years ago eh Fred, perhaps the original Cavern may not have been knocked down and large sections of the tunnels would not have been shamlessly filled in. Do keep looking in and many thanks for your message. JM] I had the pleasure along with several members of Wirral Minis of visiting the Mason Street and Paddington sites and would like to express my thanks on their behalf to Chris and his colleagues for a wonderful insight into the incredible world of Joseph Williamson. I am sure many more visits to the Heritage Centre will be arranged in the not too distant future by all those who attended. Once again many thanks, keep up the good work. Ken Knox Widnes, UK, Mon 28 Nov 13:52:25 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you all enjoyed yourselves Ken we also enjoyed seeing the minis. We have completed another successful month of members visits for the year...successful inasmuch as we did not lose any members during the tours...well we did lose two for a while but we did warn them not to fiddle about with any loose bricks!! Indeed it was an exhausing but very enjoyable November it gives us the opportunity to meet our loyal members and their families and friends and indeed, make new friends ourselves. All the FoWT Active Team, guides, helpers etc have fond memories of meeting many wonderful people during the month and that alone makes the visits so worthwhile. It is also our great pleasure when we see those members who return...some for the second, third and even fourth time...it proves we are doing something right (we think!!) The work now continues in earnest Ken as we embark on continued negotiations with various site owners and hopefully next time you visit we will have uncovered a bit more of the labrynth. Many thanks for your kind message and good luck to you and your group, long may you "verooom" JM] Thanks, Daniel Sch{avelzon for the recomndation of the site. I enjoyed it very much. Marcelo Weissel Director Programa Historias Bajo las Baldosas GCBA www.bajolasbaldosas.com.ar Marcelo Norman Weissel BA, Argentina, Wed 16 Nov 22:33:07 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for your kind message Marcelo and it is a cause for celebration for it is THE first one we have received from Argentina so we are most honoured. Thank you also for the link to your web site which is absolutely fascinating and I can fully recommend it to those looking in. It is quite incredible the way the internet connects communities with similar projects and objectives that otherwise would have run in parallel across the great divide completely oblivious to one another. It is indeed of great benefit to see the success of other Historical Societies such as yours across the world and from which we can draw so much inspiration. The tunnels you have uncovered, that in some ways are similar to the Williamson Tunnels, do seem to be well worth a visit. JM *The above site is in Spanish however the following link will translate to English (or many other languages) http://babelfish.altavista.com/ just cut and paste the bajolasbaldosas link into the translate site* ] Just visted again with my son for the umpteenth time. I must say a place that Derek Acorah must go down and see what he makes of it...full of awe and spirit activity, anyway, doing a great job carry on the good work.... tony mills widnes, cheshire, uk, Sat 12 Nov 17:39:24 2005 [ Webmaster replies : I know the feeling Tony I am a guide on the sites and I, and indeed all our guides, never tire of going down below so we can quite understand why our members come back time after time...the sheer scale of the project undertaken by JW is awesome and full of mystery, the magic is in discovering more and as you say keeping the spirit alive...look forward to seeing you again soon. JM ] I had the pleasure of taking part in the member's tour of the Mason St and the Paddington site yesterday and would like to express my thanks for those who took the time to organise it and help on the day. I had a fantastic time and will be looking to get involved with some digging as soon as I can! John H Wirral, Sun 06 Nov 11:20:07 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the day John and on the contrary, it is one of 'our' great pleasures during the year to put in the effort to show our much respected members around the various sites for indeed it is their dedicated support and belief in our work that motivates us. How so we wish we could show them even more of the system. We are so close and we hope soon we will be able to utilise your kind offer in helping with the digs.(Can you bring your own spade our members will go mad if we buy too many!!!) JM ] I came across a section in a book I read some years ago when I first started reading about Joseph Williamson which tells of two four bedroom houses (one on top of the other) both joined by a passage. The area was too deep and filled in. Have they been found? philip everton warrington, United Kingdom, Sun 06 Nov 11:01:07 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Not yet Philip but we know exactly where they are located. Unfortunately our appeals to the 'powers that be over the years' for prudence and understanding concerning land with heritage gems hidden beneath that would greatly benefit the Liverpool Tourist Industry has fell on deaf ears. In consequence thereof we have lost many accessible points of entry and encounter a constant battle with developers. We would dearly love to uncover the two houses you mention that are carved out of the sandstone and described by the Historian Stonehouse as looking like something out of 'Petra' Perhaps one day we might just get there! JM] GREAT news about the finding of JWs grave. Even though it is fascinating, it is still sad that this man was just covered over and forgotten. We must get a memorial put there and restore the headstone. philip everton warrington, United Kingdom, Sat 29 Oct 13:39:10 2005 [ Webmaster replies : We are proud we have lifted the veil of sadness Philip and uncovered the grave stone of the great man not seen for a hundred years. We have ensured from day one of our inception that Joseph Wiliamson will never be forgotten and we are in talks with the very understanding developers of the grave site Grosvenor-Henderson with a view to turning the area into a memorial garden with some sort of monument to JW and indeed perhaps the other departed people of that same site. It is an exciting time and of course we will keep our web site updated as we progress. Thank you for your kind message and thoughts. JM ] Fascinated by our visit today. The work which has enabled the parts now visible to the public is a tremendous achievement and a great credit to the team of enthusiasts. If ever there was a worthy candidate for European funding, this is one. Dave Bickford Bebington, Wirral, UK, Tue 25 Oct 20:45:21 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Glad you enjoyed the visit Dave. Yes the work at the Heritage site is progressing very well indeed but it is a hard slog (what are you like with a spade!!)It is incredible the amount of work the volunteer diggers have done thus far especially when one considers the hard core helpers have full time jobs as well. The results though are very rewarding and there for all visitors to see. I am sure further excavations will throw up a few more surprises yet! If anyone looking in has not been to the Williamson Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane please do try and go along you are in for a treat. ] My mother in law and I were discussing the tunnels yesterday and decided to re-visit your site after many months away.We were delighted to see that the grave has been uncovered.What a coincidence it was.Mum amd I are both from the Merseyside area but now live in NZ on a small farm [I guess a million miles away from The Pool!]I wish I'd known about the tunnels on my last visit home in 2,000,ah well perhaps next time! Best wishes Kay. Kay Davies New Zealand, Mon 24 Oct 04:19:49 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks for your message Kay it is good to know we have well- wishers on the other side of the world looking in and keeping up-to-date with our progress. Hopefully next time you are over you will be able to pay us a visit. ] Alas I have not been able to visit the tunnels (live a bit far away!) but I was fortunate enough to email etc with Jim Moran (Alsop OB) with the terrific news of finding Williamson's tombstone to-day. Well done to all involved. John R.Hill <johnhill@quickclic.net> Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada, Sun 23 Oct 23:44:16 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Many thanks Jack...it was brilliant news after all these years of "wondering and speculation" to finally find the great man. JM] I am 32 yrs old and was born in Liverpool. I was lucky enough to partake in a visit (with Frank Carlyle - local historian) to the private part of the tunnels with my daughter (who is 10). We both enjoyed it immensely. My daughter went back to school abslutely thrilled and told all of her teachers/friends. I joined Frank's class last year (Liverpool history) and never knew about the existence of these tunnels. I find my heritage absolutely fascinating. The FoWT are doing a tremendous job. They were all wonderful on our visit, especially to my daughter - thank you so much! Also, to everyone who is involved within FoWT - a big thank you for all your hard work in preserving our Heritage! I just wish we had time-travel capabilities :-) Doe Neary Liverpool, Merseyside, Fri 14 Oct 14:16:28 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Thank you for your lovely message Doe and we are delighted you and your daughter enjoyed your visit we remember you both well. We too wish we had time-travel capabilities :-) we would make an immediate bee-line for the two houses carved out of sandstone "akin to Petra" as described by the Historian James Stonehouse located in one of the now inaccessible areas! In a way though the tunnels are like a "time-capsule" in which is preserved an underground kingdom exhibiting the most intricate skills of a bye-gone army of devotees to a great man of vision. Hope we can uncover a lot more before your next visit. ] It has been some time since I last visited this site but to do so today has renewed my admiration and amazement. I intend to subscribe to FoWT immediately. Graham Woodall Fri 07 Oct 16:51:20 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Welcome aboard Graham you have joined in good time for the November mmebers visits look forward to seeing you if you can make it. ] First heard of the tunnels when I read the excellent new travel guide "Bo****ks to Alton Towers" which is a brilliant read, with chapters devoted to all the quirky follies and buildings in the UK that are not on the typical tourist trail. I recommend the book to everyone - it's very funny, and the chapter on the Tunnels is very informative and entertaining. See http://snipurl.com/hutv for details. Looking forward to visiting the tunnels one day! Next time I visit Liverpool for a football match I will make sure I pass by for a visit. Cheers! Tristán White. Tristán White <Tristan_White@rocketmail.com> London, Wed 21 Sep 23:43:15 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Yes we were aware we had been given a mention in the book Tristan and we were delighted it brought the tunnels to the attention of a wider audience. A visit prior to a football match is a great way to wile away the time and you are sure to enjoy the experience. ] Fantasic Alan Whitley Cumbria, Thu 08 Sep 11:17:33 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Even well chosen one word comments are most welcome especially from our neighbours in beautiful Cumbria. Many thanks Alan.] Some time ago I listened to a short play about Williamson who was played by John McArdle. Can you give me any information were I can get a copy of this play? It was a really good play and as the tunnels themselves are so wide open to the imagination, a radio play lets you set your own scene in your mind. I would love my daughter and son to listen to the play before visiting. Tony Williams Liverpool, U.K, Sun 04 Sep 00:02:00 2005 [ Webmaster replies : The play was by local playwright Karen Brown and was broadcast on Radio 4 in March 2000 Tony (amazing how time passes as it certainly does not seem that long ago!)The play also ran for nine days at the Unity Theatre in Liverpool. The only thing we can suggest is you contact the BBC via their web site and they may be able to provide a copy. In the meantime the story of JW from our web site should also set the scene up quite nicely for a visit. Good luck with your quest and we hope to see you soon.] Before we left Liverpool to live in New Zealand we visited the tunnels. I called my daughter still living in Liverpool and our grandson Elliot was taken there yesterday by his grandfather and father both called Alan Coppell. Well our grandson was so excited and thought it was so cool.He originally thought he might find a dinosaur bone and when he returned home he was asked if he wore a hat. "No not a hat a 'hard' hat " I think you have a new friend for Williamsons tunnels and as he is only four and a half years old I guess its safe to say he will be a friend for some years to come. We never know what influences our children to become the men of tomorrow.... Stan Melton Auckland, New Zealand, Sun 31 Jul 06:06:46 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Good last point there Stan, I never thought when I was a toddler, I would end up doing this!! So glad you managed to visit us before you embarked on your new lifes adventure. In the meantime our work continues in the hope, before you next visit, we can discover more of the system so future sons of our great city, just like little Elliot, can see what dedicated Liverpool men did in the past. And just as you say, a few years down the line, Elliot might just be working along side us happily digging away. Many thanks for your message Stan and hope you enjoy life in NZ. Make sure you keep yourself fit for the annual Aukland jog! Do keep looking in. ] Going back to when I was a boy some 30 years ago,I used to go with my father to work , my father was a plumber, and he did a lot of work around the Canning area of Livepool. He always used to tell me stories what his father had told him about a "madman" (as my grandfather had called him) who had dug the great tunnels under Liverpool going from Edge Hill to as far as the Anglican Cathedral, and even under the Canning area. I dont know how true this is , but this used to fascinate me. just imagine if this had some truth in what he had said, what a story! I love the web site and hope to take my little girl to see the great tunnels and tell her the story my grandfather had told my father. Phil Everton phil everton warrington, cheshire, Fri 22 Jul 00:43:31 2005 [ Webmaster replies : That is a classic example of how the story of Joseph Williamson and indeed, history itself, is kept alive Phil - through "word of mouth" It is indeed thanks to those stories being passed on through the years that Joseph Williamson aka; "The Mole" "The King of Edge Hill" "The Mad Mole of Edge Hill" was probably brought to the notice of quite a few of our original members today. It is incredible how stories passed down through the years about the tunnels turn out to be true, they can sometimes be the most reliable source when piecing together little snippets of information. Sometimes though, stories passed down about JWs tunnels can become entwined with the Railway tunnels that run under the same area saying that, tunnels under the Canning area could well come under JWs scope! The Heritage Centre in Smithdown Lane is open every day throughout the summer when it would be good to see you. Parts of the tunnels, not usually open to the public are open over the Heritage weekend (20.08.05) (check local press for details) You could also join FoWT Phil (there is a print off membership form on web site) and you could visit those tunnels not as yet open to the public during our November members visits. Many thanks for your message. ] Just visited the Tunnels after work yesterday, having read about them a few months back and joining "Friends of Williamson's Tunnels". Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed it and thanks to Peter for taking me around. Andrew Foxcroft Liverpool, UK, Wed 06 Jul 12:41:33 2005 [ Webmaster replies : Welcome to the family Andrew and look forward to seeing you during the members visits. ]