Williamson's Tunnels
@fowt.bsky.social
Award Winning 'Friends of Williamson's Tunnels', #FoWT. Run by volunteers, protecting Joseph Williamson's subterranean world. Non Profit, Reg Charity No: 1087822
🌐 www.williamsontunnels.com
🌐 www.williamsontunnels.com/visit-the-tunnels/
🌐 www.williamsontunnels.com
🌐 www.williamsontunnels.com/visit-the-tunnels/
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Williamson's Tunnels
@fowt.bsky.social
· Jul 31
FoWT win TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award 2025, for 8th consecutive year
FoWT were delighted to have won, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award 2025, Placing tunnels tours with the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels in the Top 10% of Attractions worldwide.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/27/f...
FoWT were delighted to have won, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award 2025, Placing tunnels tours with the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels in the Top 10% of Attractions worldwide.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/27/f...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Littlewoods, Air Raid Shelter, Edge Lane
The Secret, long abandoned, WWII Air Raid shelter, along side the Littlewoods building. I've shown the 280m (approx) bunker on a map, showing its location and entrances from 1940, along with Google Earth today
chrisiles.co.uk/2018/09/21/l...
The Secret, long abandoned, WWII Air Raid shelter, along side the Littlewoods building. I've shown the 280m (approx) bunker on a map, showing its location and entrances from 1940, along with Google Earth today
chrisiles.co.uk/2018/09/21/l...
November 27, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Littlewoods, Air Raid Shelter, Edge Lane
The Secret, long abandoned, WWII Air Raid shelter, along side the Littlewoods building. I've shown the 280m (approx) bunker on a map, showing its location and entrances from 1940, along with Google Earth today
chrisiles.co.uk/2018/09/21/l...
The Secret, long abandoned, WWII Air Raid shelter, along side the Littlewoods building. I've shown the 280m (approx) bunker on a map, showing its location and entrances from 1940, along with Google Earth today
chrisiles.co.uk/2018/09/21/l...
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 1st December 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"Bogs, Baths and Basins – the Story of Domestic Sanitation" by David Everleigh.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/n...
"Bogs, Baths and Basins – the Story of Domestic Sanitation" by David Everleigh.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/n...
Next FoWT monthly meeting: A talk by David Everleigh, “Bogs, Baths and Basins – the Story of Domestic Sanitation”
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 1st December 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs) via Zoom. “Bogs, Baths and Basins – the Story of Domestic Sanitation” by David Ever…
williamsontunnels.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 1st December 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"Bogs, Baths and Basins – the Story of Domestic Sanitation" by David Everleigh.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/n...
"Bogs, Baths and Basins – the Story of Domestic Sanitation" by David Everleigh.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/n...
2026 Talks and Guest Speakers
A list of guest speakers, booked to give talks on a mix of interesting or historic subjects during FoWT's monthly meetings in 2026.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/2...
A list of guest speakers, booked to give talks on a mix of interesting or historic subjects during FoWT's monthly meetings in 2026.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/2...
2026 Talks and Guest Speakers
FoWT’s monthly meetings are currently being organised and booked. You will find the dates and subjects of those confirmed so far for 2026. Keep checking back as we confirm a…
williamsontunnels.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:42 PM
2026 Talks and Guest Speakers
A list of guest speakers, booked to give talks on a mix of interesting or historic subjects during FoWT's monthly meetings in 2026.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/2...
A list of guest speakers, booked to give talks on a mix of interesting or historic subjects during FoWT's monthly meetings in 2026.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/11/07/2...
Ghosts and Ghoulies have moved into Paddington, it's looking quite spooky. Would you like to bring your children for a special Halloween visit of Paddington?
We currently have vacancies for 29/10/2025
williamsontunnels.com/visit-the-tu...
We currently have vacancies for 29/10/2025
williamsontunnels.com/visit-the-tu...
October 25, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Ghosts and Ghoulies have moved into Paddington, it's looking quite spooky. Would you like to bring your children for a special Halloween visit of Paddington?
We currently have vacancies for 29/10/2025
williamsontunnels.com/visit-the-tu...
We currently have vacancies for 29/10/2025
williamsontunnels.com/visit-the-tu...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
With much sadness, we announce the death of Martin Dixon on 15/10/2025, having had cancer for over 5 years. He was a long-time member, former chairman.
He & Linda enjoyed many happy times together, including organising numerous Sub Brit trips.
We'd love to hear your anecdotes & memories of Martin.
He & Linda enjoyed many happy times together, including organising numerous Sub Brit trips.
We'd love to hear your anecdotes & memories of Martin.
October 16, 2025 at 10:44 PM
With much sadness, we announce the death of Martin Dixon on 15/10/2025, having had cancer for over 5 years. He was a long-time member, former chairman.
He & Linda enjoyed many happy times together, including organising numerous Sub Brit trips.
We'd love to hear your anecdotes & memories of Martin.
He & Linda enjoyed many happy times together, including organising numerous Sub Brit trips.
We'd love to hear your anecdotes & memories of Martin.
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 3rd November 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"James Cropper and Liverpool's unheralded contribution to the Abolition of Slavery" by John Lamb.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/10/14/n...
"James Cropper and Liverpool's unheralded contribution to the Abolition of Slavery" by John Lamb.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/10/14/n...
Next FoWT monthly meeting: A talk by John Lamb, “James Cropper and Liverpool’s unheralded contribution to the Abolition of Slavery”
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 3rd November 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs) via Zoom. “James Cropper and Liverpool’s unheralded contribution to the Abolition of Slav…
williamsontunnels.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 3rd November 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"James Cropper and Liverpool's unheralded contribution to the Abolition of Slavery" by John Lamb.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/10/14/n...
"James Cropper and Liverpool's unheralded contribution to the Abolition of Slavery" by John Lamb.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/10/14/n...
FoWT - Annual General Meeting 2025
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
FoWT – Annual General Meeting 2025
All members are invited to attend the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels, 29th September 2025 at 7pm (19.00hrs). The AGM will be held in the Derby Room, Adelph…
williamsontunnels.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:56 PM
FoWT - Annual General Meeting 2025
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 6th October 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"The Lancashire Witches" by Tina Naples.
The story of Lancashire's Witches...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/09/14/n...
"The Lancashire Witches" by Tina Naples.
The story of Lancashire's Witches...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/09/14/n...
Next FoWT monthly meeting: A talk by Tina Naples, “The Lancashire Witches”
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 6th October 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs) via Zoom. “The Lancashire Witches” by Tina Naples. Our guest speaker on the night will be …
williamsontunnels.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 6th October 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"The Lancashire Witches" by Tina Naples.
The story of Lancashire's Witches...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/09/14/n...
"The Lancashire Witches" by Tina Naples.
The story of Lancashire's Witches...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/09/14/n...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Today is the 195th anniversary of modern railways. The first inter-city railway opened on this day when eight trains left Crown Street in Liverpool for Liverpool Road in Manchester.
It didn't do a lot of "firsts", it just got the combination right becoming the template for everything that followed.
It didn't do a lot of "firsts", it just got the combination right becoming the template for everything that followed.
September 14, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Today is the 195th anniversary of modern railways. The first inter-city railway opened on this day when eight trains left Crown Street in Liverpool for Liverpool Road in Manchester.
It didn't do a lot of "firsts", it just got the combination right becoming the template for everything that followed.
It didn't do a lot of "firsts", it just got the combination right becoming the template for everything that followed.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Currently researching the guests present on opening day of the L&MR in 1830. One of the hard ones to find information on is Count Potocki the Russian Ambassador. The problem is there are several simultaneous Counts and most contemporary press reports don't distinguish which is which...
September 13, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Currently researching the guests present on opening day of the L&MR in 1830. One of the hard ones to find information on is Count Potocki the Russian Ambassador. The problem is there are several simultaneous Counts and most contemporary press reports don't distinguish which is which...
FoWT - Annual General Meeting 2025
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
August 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
FoWT - Annual General Meeting 2025
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
The 29th AGM of FoWT, 29th September 2025 at 7pm
With guest speaker, Paul O'Donnell of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Trust, on the 'Opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’
@lmrailway.bsky.social
williamsontunnels.com/2025/08/25/f...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Not saying crime was rife in Liverpool in 1978, but apparently, even if it was bolted down, it was not safe. Page 15 of the Liverpool Echo for the 9th June 1978 has two separate railway thefts relating to the Liverpool & Manchester Railway.
August 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Not saying crime was rife in Liverpool in 1978, but apparently, even if it was bolted down, it was not safe. Page 15 of the Liverpool Echo for the 9th June 1978 has two separate railway thefts relating to the Liverpool & Manchester Railway.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Today marks the 189th anniversary of the opening of Liverpool Lime St station - the oldest grand terminus station in the world still in use. Here is a photo of the station in 1890.
August 15, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Today marks the 189th anniversary of the opening of Liverpool Lime St station - the oldest grand terminus station in the world still in use. Here is a photo of the station in 1890.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
George Stephenson (1781-1848), seen as the father of the railways, died #OTD 1848. He and his son Robert built the first steam passenger railway, the Stockton and Darlington, and built the first public inter-city railway, the Liverpool and Manchester.
August 12, 2025 at 7:17 AM
George Stephenson (1781-1848), seen as the father of the railways, died #OTD 1848. He and his son Robert built the first steam passenger railway, the Stockton and Darlington, and built the first public inter-city railway, the Liverpool and Manchester.
FoWT, No. 4 on #LiverpoolWorld
19 must-visit Liverpool attractions with coveted Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/liverpo...
19 must-visit Liverpool attractions with coveted Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/liverpo...
19 must-visit Liverpool attractions with coveted Travellers' Choice Awards
Discover 19 of the top Liverpool attractions that have been recognised among the best 'Things to Do’ in the 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards.
www.liverpoolworld.uk
July 31, 2025 at 5:04 PM
FoWT, No. 4 on #LiverpoolWorld
19 must-visit Liverpool attractions with coveted Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/liverpo...
19 must-visit Liverpool attractions with coveted Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/liverpo...
FoWT win TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award 2025, for 8th consecutive year
FoWT were delighted to have won, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award 2025, Placing tunnels tours with the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels in the Top 10% of Attractions worldwide.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/27/f...
FoWT were delighted to have won, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award 2025, Placing tunnels tours with the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels in the Top 10% of Attractions worldwide.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/27/f...
July 31, 2025 at 3:38 PM
FoWT win TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award 2025, for 8th consecutive year
FoWT were delighted to have won, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award 2025, Placing tunnels tours with the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels in the Top 10% of Attractions worldwide.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/27/f...
FoWT were delighted to have won, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award 2025, Placing tunnels tours with the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels in the Top 10% of Attractions worldwide.
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/27/f...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Network Rail has uncovered the original 1849 rope winding vault for the Victoria Tunnel at Edge Hill. As with the Wapping and Lime Street tunnels, the Victoria used a steam-powered rope haulage system to pull rolling stock up from the North docks.
July 16, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Network Rail has uncovered the original 1849 rope winding vault for the Victoria Tunnel at Edge Hill. As with the Wapping and Lime Street tunnels, the Victoria used a steam-powered rope haulage system to pull rolling stock up from the North docks.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Continuing on about our visit into the 1829 Passenger Tunnel. The Crown Street portal has two distinct cut-outs to allow the coal wagons to make a sharp turn without clipping the portal stonework. So when we visited, the portal and the two cut-outs are visible from the inside.
July 16, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Continuing on about our visit into the 1829 Passenger Tunnel. The Crown Street portal has two distinct cut-outs to allow the coal wagons to make a sharp turn without clipping the portal stonework. So when we visited, the portal and the two cut-outs are visible from the inside.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
While the stalactites in the 1829 passenger tunnel are quite impressive, if a bit delicate and crumbly, the stalagmites are not at all impressive, this four inch example was the biggest one we found.
July 15, 2025 at 8:17 PM
While the stalactites in the 1829 passenger tunnel are quite impressive, if a bit delicate and crumbly, the stalagmites are not at all impressive, this four inch example was the biggest one we found.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
On Monday, we guided a charity visit into the Edge Hill Cutting. Organised by Network Rail for the Branch Line Society, raising funds for the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. We explored and explained the operation of the Engine Station and investigated the 1829 passenger tunnel that ran to Crown Street
July 15, 2025 at 7:35 PM
On Monday, we guided a charity visit into the Edge Hill Cutting. Organised by Network Rail for the Branch Line Society, raising funds for the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. We explored and explained the operation of the Engine Station and investigated the 1829 passenger tunnel that ran to Crown Street
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 4th August 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"Saving Chapman - The Last Hilbre Island Lifeboat" by John Parr.
The story of Lifeboats from the 1700s, through to opening a lifeboat station on Hilbre Island...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/15/n...
"Saving Chapman - The Last Hilbre Island Lifeboat" by John Parr.
The story of Lifeboats from the 1700s, through to opening a lifeboat station on Hilbre Island...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/15/n...
Next FoWT monthly meeting: A talk by John Parr, “Saving Chapman – The Last Hilbre Island Lifeboat”
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 4th August 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs) via Zoom. “Saving Chapman – The Last Hilbre Island Lifeboat” by John Parr. Our guest …
williamsontunnels.com
July 15, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Our next FoWT monthly meeting will take place on Monday 4th August 2025 – 7.00 pm (19.00 hrs)
"Saving Chapman - The Last Hilbre Island Lifeboat" by John Parr.
The story of Lifeboats from the 1700s, through to opening a lifeboat station on Hilbre Island...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/15/n...
"Saving Chapman - The Last Hilbre Island Lifeboat" by John Parr.
The story of Lifeboats from the 1700s, through to opening a lifeboat station on Hilbre Island...
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/15/n...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
Yes, a little "Jinty" That ended its working life at Edge Hill before going to Barry for scrap. Saved and restored and now at the GCR, but minus the unofficial painted signs on either side. www.gcrailway.co.uk/the-railway/...
July 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Yes, a little "Jinty" That ended its working life at Edge Hill before going to Barry for scrap. Saved and restored and now at the GCR, but minus the unofficial painted signs on either side. www.gcrailway.co.uk/the-railway/...
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
A bit of then and now for the front of Lime Street Station. Not sure of the date of "then", but I am guessing at a hundred year interval between shots.
July 3, 2025 at 2:56 PM
A bit of then and now for the front of Lime Street Station. Not sure of the date of "then", but I am guessing at a hundred year interval between shots.
Reposted by Williamson's Tunnels
This is carved into the south wall of the Olive Mount Cutting in Liverpool. It shows how much further it is to go to Manchester. Not sure if the markings are every quarter mile. That would need a visit to try to find another one.
July 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
This is carved into the south wall of the Olive Mount Cutting in Liverpool. It shows how much further it is to go to Manchester. Not sure if the markings are every quarter mile. That would need a visit to try to find another one.
The other King of Edge Hill…
Joseph Williamson was affectionately known by many as the “King of Edge Hill”, due to his keeping so many people in employment...
...with Locomotive No. 47406, the “King of Edge Hill”
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/02/t...
Joseph Williamson was affectionately known by many as the “King of Edge Hill”, due to his keeping so many people in employment...
...with Locomotive No. 47406, the “King of Edge Hill”
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/02/t...
July 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM
The other King of Edge Hill…
Joseph Williamson was affectionately known by many as the “King of Edge Hill”, due to his keeping so many people in employment...
...with Locomotive No. 47406, the “King of Edge Hill”
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/02/t...
Joseph Williamson was affectionately known by many as the “King of Edge Hill”, due to his keeping so many people in employment...
...with Locomotive No. 47406, the “King of Edge Hill”
williamsontunnels.com/2025/07/02/t...