Williamson's Tunnels

While Liverpool may be known as the birthplace of the Beatles and the home of a popular football team, it also features no shortage of historic and educational opportunities. One of these is Williamson’s Tunnels—a maze of arching bricked tunnels whose original purpose eludes historians.

Titled after their financial sponsor Joseph Williamson who both lived and managed the project in the early 19th century, Williamson himself never revealed the intended purpose of the Tunnels. Today, it's a popular tourist spot, as historians and visitors alike speculate upon the Tunnels' curious existence.

Williamson's Tunnels - one of the highlights of 11 Things to Do in Liverpool on a Small Budget (Read all about Liverpool here)

photo by Kyle J May (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Williamson’s Tunnels highlights

One of the most popular theories of the Tunnels’ construction is that Williamson was a philanthropist and wanted to employ a lot of people. That he did, providing labour to hundreds of workers. Another theory indicates that Williamson could have partaken in an extremist religious sect, and as a result, built the Tunnels to protect himself and others from an impending Armageddon. A milder theory suggests the Tunnels were used to transport goods.

Either way, the Tunnels were, and still are, located in the Edge Hill neighbourhood of Liverpool, where Williamson also spent his life constructing houses.

photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Location: The Old Stableyard, Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, Smithdown Ln, Liverpool L7 3EE, UK

Open: Friday–Sunday 10.30 am to 4 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)

Phone: +44 151 709 6868

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