Williamson Tunnels under Edge Hill, in Liverpool.
His father was a poor glassmaker.
Joseph Williamson was only eleven years old at that time.
Stonehouse described vast cellars beneath the buildings that went several layers deep, up to six level at times.
Once a woman fell into one of these pits and was drowned.
The tunnels also became a popular dumping place for all kinds of waste.
Whenever authorities demolished a building, the rubble went into the tunnels.
This process continued sporadically into the 20th century until the tunnels became largely buried.
The ‘Banqueting Hall’ beneath the site of Joseph Williamson’s house.
The most popular explanation is that he wished to employ the local poor, rather than give handouts.
Now the war was over and these soldiers had returned home and were looking for work.
Nonetheless, Edge Hill remembers Joseph Williamson as a local hero.
A part of the tunnel is now open to public visit.
Photo: Friend of Williamsons Tunnels
The Wine Bins, Williamson Tunnels.
Photo:moz278/Flickr
Artifacts recovered during excavation, displayed inside the tunnel.
