The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations, of unknown purpose, in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. They are thought to have been created under the direction of tobacco merchant, landowner and philanthropist Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840.
Who built the tunnels under Liverpool?
Joseph Williamson
Under the streets of Liverpool, England’s Edge Hill district tunnels stretch for miles. The residents know they were built between 1810 and 1840 by eccentric local business man, Joseph Williamson, but no one knows their true purpose, reports Chris Baraniuk for BBC.
What are the tunnels in Liverpool?
The Mersey Tunnels connect the city of Liverpool with Wirral, under the River Mersey. There are three tunnels: the Mersey Railway Tunnel (opened 1886), and two road tunnels, the Queensway Tunnel (opened 1934) and the Kingsway Tunnel (opened 1971).
Why were the Williamson Tunnels built?
Williamson therefore built the tunnels as a place into which he and his fellow believers could escape to avoid the catastrophe and emerge later to build a new city.
How big are the Williamson Tunnels?
The excavations have uncovered tunnels in various sizes from the so called ‘banqueting hall’ that is about 64 feet long, 14 feet wide and 27 feet high to tunnels that are 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall.
How many people died building the Mersey tunnel?
Over 1700 men worked on the building of the Queensway Tunnel, with 17 sadly killed during the construction. Teams started work on both the Wirral and Liverpool sides of the Mersey.
Is the Liverpool tunnel underwater?
The Queensway tunnel is a road tunnel under the River Mersey, in the north west of England, between Liverpool and Birkenhead. Locally, it is often referred to as the “Birkenhead tunnel” or “old tunnel”, to distinguish it from the newer Kingsway tunnel (1971), which serves Wallasey and the M53 motorway traffic.
Are there catacombs in Liverpool?
St George’s Hall has recently developed seven galleries and catacombs in the basement of the building. These areas were only discovered in 2012, having not been used previously in the Hall’s entire history.
Can you walk through the Liverpool tunnel?
Please Note: You cannot walk through either of the Mersey Tunnels. You may cycle through the Queensway (Birkenhead) Tunnel at certain times. Please check Byelaw 9 for times.
How deep is the Liverpool underground?
The drainage tunnel falls from the centre to pumping shafts on each side of the river, 1.6km apart. The Liverpool shaft is 4.6m in diameter and the Birkenhead shaft 5.3m in diameter. Both are about 52m deep and lined with cast iron tubes where they pass through water-bearing strata.
Are Williamson Tunnels open to public?
The Centre is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tours run every hour at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30, 2,30, and 3.30. All tours must be booked in advance by telephoning 0151 709 6868 between 10.00am and 3.00pm on the three days that we are open.
How was Liverpool tunnel made?
Work started with construction by hand of an 8ft high pilot tunnel through sandstone under the River Mersey. It took about a year to complete. Then the giant laser-guided ‘Mersey Mole’ arrived to excavate the main tube.
Why did soldiers dig tunnels?
Tunnels can be used to undermine fortifications and slip into enemy territory for a surprise attack, while it can strengthen a defense by creating the possibility of ambush, counterattack and the ability to transfer troops from one portion of the battleground to another unseen and protected.
What is the deepest tunnel on earth?
In terms of depth below the surface, the Kola Superdeep Borehole SG-3 retains the world record at 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) reached in 1989 and is still the deepest artificial point on Earth.
Where is the deepest tunnel in the world?
Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the world’s longest and deepest tunnel. It runs under the Swiss alps between the towns of Erstfeld in the north and Bodio in the south. The tunnel is 57 km long and reaches a depth of 2,300 meters.
What are the 5 longest tunnels in the world?
- Lærdal Tunnel. The longest road tunnel in the world: Lærdal tunnel in Norway.
- Jinpingshan Tunnel. The Jinpingshan Tunnel is China’s deepest transportation tunnel.
- Gotthard Road Tunnel. Gotthard Road Tunnel.
- Arlberg Road Tunnel.
- Mount Erlang Tunnel.
- Yamate Tunnel.
- Zhongnanshan Tunnel.
- Ryfylke Tunnel.
Are there sharks in the Mersey?
And whilst most don’t often think of the UK for sharks , Merseyside has 23 known species.
How deep underground is the Mersey tunnel?
The tunnel is not very deep, with the lowest point being only 170 feet below high water level in the river. (At one point, mid river, there is only 4 feet of solid rock above the tunnel.
Did a ferry sink on the Mersey?
The neglect of MV Royal Iris, the famous Mersey Ferry as it rots and sinks beneath the Thames can be seen in new photos.
What is the deepest tunnel in the UK?
As one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, the Standedge Tunnel is the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in Great Britain.
Where is the longest underwater tunnel in the world?
At over 18 km in length, the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link – the world’s longest underwater rail and road tunnel, which will connect Germany and Denmark – is well underway.