A visit to these amazing tunnels is a must if you're visiting Liverpool - but do book early! A deceptively plain entrance leads you into an amazing world of subterranean wonder! Descending through the original cellars, you soon realise this is no ordinary underground experience; intricate brickwork soon changes to solid sandstone walls as you descend the 82 steps to the lowest level; a 60 foot high chamber. This is the hidden world of an underground quarry, secretly hewn from the native bedrock itself by philanthropist Joseph Williamson, whose ultimate purpose seems not to have been to win the hard-earned sandstone, but the employment and training of local unemployed people; all were sworn to secrecy about what they were doing, as Williamson didn't have the mineral and mining rights to the site.
The tunnels were filled in after Williamson's death, leaving the early explorers from the Friends of Williamson's Tunnels to discover many objects still intact in the rubbish; some are on display in the tunnels.
All in all, a fantastic venture into a forgotten world under the streets of Liverpool, it should not be missed.
Many thanks to the hard work of the Friends' volunteers, and special thanks to our guide, Tom, whose knowledge and obvious enthusiasm gave us a very enjoyable and entertaining visit!
