Joseph williamson tunnels history wikipedia Joseph Williamson (10 March 1769 – 1 May 1840) was an eccentric English businessman, philanthropist and property owner who is best known for the Williamson Tunnels, which were constructed under his direction in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Summary Joseph Williamson, nicknamed the Mad Mole of Edge Hill, (TV: The Vanquishers) was a philanthropist in early-19th century Liverpool. In May 2007 a small team from the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, frustrated by the dearth of information about Williamson, resolved to make a concerted effort to learn more. Mar 27, 2010 · Joseph Williamson made his fortune in the Liverpool trading and tobacco industry in the early 1800s. Along with some sections of boundary wall and some possible other features in adjoining streets, the house facade is one of the very few remaining Williamson structures above ground. 5; 360° Gallery by Adrian Little James Stonehouse was a resident of 1820 Liverpool, who prided himself on having a more "robust and rational" mind than Joseph Williamson. Let’s dive into the enigma that is the Williamson Tunnels. Sir Joseph Williamson, PRS (25 July 1633 – 3 October 1701) was an English civil servant, diplomat and politician who sat in the House of Commons of England variously between 1665 and 1701 and in the Irish House of Commons between 1692 and 1699. The Cumbria connection Also known as the "Mole of Edge Hill", noted for his tunnels under the Edge Hill district of Liverpool. Aug 31, 2017 · Though the purpose of the mysterious tunnels is currently unknown, the work itself was done at the order an idiosyncratic—and rich—landowner from the early 19th century named Joseph Williamson. Aug 31, 2010 · Joseph Williamson’s Tunnels. Joseph Williamson (10 March 1769–1 May 1840) was an eccentric, businessman, property owner, and a philanthropist who is best known for the Williamson Tunnels which were constructed under his direction in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool. It is taught as fact that these were all built to give workers some work, or because Joseph Williamson was eccentric Joseph Williamson (1769–1840), a tobacco magnate, was responsible for much of the building in the area in the early 19th century. From the south-west corner of Joseph Williamson’s ‘estate’, the junction of Smithdown Lane and Grinfield Street, you would once have peered up at a long range of arches and other striking and unusual structures, all part of Joseph Williamson’s domain. He represented Thetford or Rochester in different parliaments, and was in 1678 President of the Royal Society. The society offers talks, tours, publications, and educational visits. If yes, the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre is seeking volunteers to assist in interpreting a labyrinth of tunnels built by the philanthropist Joseph Williamson in the 1820’s and 1830’s. Theories range from pure philanthropy Material facts about Joseph Williamson's life are very hard to come by. According to the Friends of the Williamson Tunnels, "the purpose of the construction is not known with any certainty. Interesting tour of the tunnels created by Joseph Williamson in the early 1800’s. 1999: Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels excavate Chambers of Paddington. I can give you some facts such as 'The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre'. Originally intended for various purposes, including storage and possibly to provide employment, the tunnels have become a fascinating subject of historical and archaeological interest. 00 pm; Please note: If you would like to do the Full extended tour of both site’s, during the winter months, you must book either the 11. Preserving the Williamson Tunnels and Opening them up to the Public The Joseph Williamson Society and Heritage Centre. Williamson Tunnels - Joseph Williamson's House Site. In the early 19th century, tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson started building houses near his home in Liverpool. In 1820, he funded and supervised the digging of tunnels whose purpose was unclear to his contemporaries, although they did provide employment to the poor. The history of this area goes back to the Georgian era of the late 18th century. … The top of the Double Tunnel, visible over Williamson’s boundary wall in the late 1800s. An examination of the point at which philanthropy turns to obsession, the radio version of the play was broadcast on Radio 4 on March 21, 2000 to Sep 3, 2015 · A vast network of 200-year-old tunnels lies beneath Liverpool’s streets – and no one knows why they’re there. 360° Virtual Tour of the tunnels – Gallery No. Joseph Williamson Society incorporated as a private limited company. 56 km away. 30pm time slots. Anecdotes. Built in the early 19th century, these tunnels tell a story of eccentric ambition, unanswered questions, and remarkable craftsmanship. jpg 9,000 The Williamson Tunnels were a series of tunnels beneath Liverpool, built under the direction of Joseph Williamson. Ob. Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels and underground caverns under the Edge Hill district. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or stone vaulting over excavations in the underlying The ‘Banqueting Hall’ beneath the site of Joseph Williamson’s house. 4 Media in category "Williamson Tunnels" The following 10 files are in this category, out of 10 total. *Joseph Williamson (politician) (1633 1701), English politician *Joseph Williamson (philanthropist) (1769 1840), Liverpool tobacco magnate and tunneller … Sep 14, 2020 · The Williamson Tunnels: Edge Hill, Liverpool UK. Joseph Williamson’s House site is the Façade of the old House, Formally No 44 Mason Street, which is opposite No 39 Mason Street. Who was Joseph Williamson? A wealthy tobacco merchant, Joseph Williamson employed local men to dig out the network of tunnels in the Edge Hill district of Liverpool in the early 19th Century. Williamson’s story. Uncover the secrets of Joseph Williamson, the Mole of Edge Hill. [citation needed] The "Mole of Edge Hill" employed hundreds of men to construct the Williamson Tunnels beneath the area. Please telephone the centre to discuss your needs or attach details to your booking form, so we can make arrangements and ensure you have an enjoyable Stonehouse also relates that Joseph married Elizabeth Tate and eventually took over the Tate business. His son Joseph, knighted in 1671, rose to high office in London as a civil servant and diplomat in the late 1600’s. Joseph Williamson, nicknamed the Mad Mole of Edge Hill, (TV: The Vanquishers) was a philanthropist in early-19th century Liverpool. Aug 12, 2015 · The tunnels of Joseph Williamson in Liverpool continue to fascinate and tantalise historians; the similarities to other tunnels and caves in England, such as the Hell Fire caves of West Wycombe, created by Sir Francis Dashwood in the mid eighteenth century, suggest they may have acted as an eccentric folly, and may been used as a secret meeting Nov 28, 2024 · The Williamson Tunnels, a curious network of passageways and caverns, have fascinated locals and visitors alike for centuries. Photo: Kyle J May/Wikimedia Commons Although the tunnels became increasingly inaccessible following the death of Joseph Williamson, it did not totally disappear from public consciousness. They are the work of Joseph Williamson under the streets of east central Liverpool, constructed in the early part of the 19th Century. He questioned Williamson insistently about the purpose of the mysterious Tunnels whose digging Williamson was sinking so many resources into, but Williamson, while insisting that his tunnels did have a rational purpose, refused to reveal it to Stonehouse. His philanthropy earned him the nickname the King of Edge Hill, whilst his tunnel-building activity earned him posthumous nicknames Oct 4, 2011 · An introduction to the mysterious Williamson Tunnels in Edge Hill, Liverpool and the work of the campaign group The Friends of Williamson's Tunnels. By the time he died in 1840, one legacy of the ‘King of Edge Hill’ was a labyrinth of mysterious underground tunnels. Williamson made his fortune by 1805 through landownership and selling houses on the Edge Hill area to the rich. Joseph Williamson (1769 to 1840), was creating his underground kingdon between 1806 and 1840 and since his death most of his structures were filled up with debris and became lost and forgotten. Williamson’s true motives for constructing the underground folly are presently unclear but the historical research and restoration of the tunnels being conducted by the ‘Joseph Williamson Society’ and ‘Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels’ may shed more light upon the mystery surrounding the man and his dark subterranean kingdom. He was The central area of the Williamson Tunnels rectangle is recognisable above ground by the remaining facade of Williamson’s house, the former No. The exact motives of Williamson have long eluded historians, leading to a tapestry of theories and See Joseph Williamson (philanthropist) for the Joseph Williamson famous for creating seemingly pointless tunnels in Liverpool (England) Sir Joseph Williamson, PRS (25 July 1633 – 3 October 1701) was an English civil servant, diplomat and politician who sat in the House of Commons of England variously between 1665 and 1701 and in the Irish House of Commons between 1692 and 1699. The scale of the excavation is very impressive and I was taken through a mere fraction of the collection of finds they have uncovered from clay pipes and codd . It is only by piecing together the few there are, by making judgements on the common assertions about him and by making logical deductions from physical evidence that one can come up with a version of his life story. Who Was Joseph Williamson? Joseph Williamson's life and the building of the Williamson tunnels have been dramatised by Liverpool-based playwright and screenwriter Karen Brown in her stage and radio play The King of Edge Hill. The whole history is full of mysteries and anomalies, unknowns and surprises. Tour takes about 45 minutes and decent footwear is required as the tour follows a scaffold walkway. Feel free to submit interesting articles, tell us… The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations, of unknown purpose, in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. /r/History is a place for discussions about history. They are thought to have been created under the direction of tobacco merchant, landowner and philanthropist Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. The tunnels served no purpose, and he did so only to provide employment. 00 am; 12:30 pm; 2. Established in1989, the Joseph Williamson Society, aims to increase interest in the life and achievements of Joseph Williamson. Joseph Williamson was an eccentric, businessman, property owner and a philanthropist whose philanthropy earned him the nickname the King of Edge Hill, whilst his tunnel Oct 11, 2024 · Joseph Williamson (10 March 1769 1 May 1840) was an eccentric, businessman, property owner and a philanthropist who is best known for the Williamson Tunnels, which were constructed under his direction in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. (image credit: The Friends of Williamsons Tunnels). Mar 5, 2024 · The Williamson Tunnels were a series of tunnels beneath Liverpool, built under the direction of Joseph Williamson. The purpose of the tunnels is completely unknown but may simply have been Williamson's philanthropic desire to provide working men with employment. This is Williamson’s House site… Sir Joseph Williamson, PRS was an English civil servant, diplomat and politician who sat in the House of Commons of England variously between 1665 and 1701 and in the Irish House of Commons between 1692 and 1699. The tunnels stretched on for miles with Nov 4, 2015 · The Tunnels. Part of the tunnel network is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or FoWT run tours of the Williamson’s Tunnels each and every Wednesday and Sunday. Williamson was very secretive about his motives, and that gave rise to a lot of theories and local folklore. Having Guide Dogs are welcome on site. Williamson's Tunnels fans will also be interested in this forthcoming new series, as the Writers of this latest Series 13 have very interestingly written Joseph Williamson and his Tunnels into the story. Posted by u/Killfetzer - 159 votes and 23 comments Joseph Williamson wrote the above amendment to his will just two days before he died and had it witnessed by two of his workers. The Tunnels. (TV: The Halloween Apocalypse) Williamson had, in fact, discovered a series of portals underground. Take a guided tour through a section of the network of tunnels and view exhibitions which depict the life and times of one of Liverpool’s most eccentric characters. Tours take place on Wednesday’s and Sunday’s only. Joseph Williamson — is the name of several people. 1701. Apr 5, 2022 · The Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels invited me for a tour of the work they are currently undertaking in excavating the paddington tunnels in Edge Hill, just behind the Bear’s Paw pub. Courtesy Liverpool City Libraries. Joseph Williamson may refer to: Joseph Williamson (English politician) (1633–1701), English politician Joseph Williamson (philanthropist) (1769–1840), British tobacco magnate, directed construction of Williamson Tunnels Mar 19, 2018 · The Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England, which were built under the direction of Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. Sep 22, 2019 · Joseph Williamson’s Tunnels – The known & Suspected Tunnels in Edge Hill (updated Sept 2019) To view the map at full size, click on the image Since FoWT first produced their map of the tunnels, back in Feb 2016, it has been constantly evolving as we continue our research and progress with our digging and clearing of Joseph Williamson’s Jul 3, 2022 · The Williamson Tunnels are one of literally millions of mining cavity features dotted across our country, paying testament to our long industrial history. The Friends of Williamson's Tunnels (FoWT) is a registered charity, run by a group of leaders and engaged in the exploration, excavation and conservation of tunnels, run by volunteer miners. TIL that between 1810 and 1840, wealthy tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson had an extensive network of tunnels constructed under Liverpool, England. However, unlike Bentinck, he didn’t build his tunnels in the middle of the countryside, he built them in the middle of a city, Liverpool. Sep 1, 2019 · They are known as the Williamson Tunnels, in honor of their financial sponsor Joseph Williamson, a prosperous 19th century merchant and developer who spent the final 30 years of his life overseeing this ambitious creative project. Friends of Williamson's Tunnels is a registered charity dedicated to the preservation and exploration of the Williamson Tunnels and to increasing knowledge of Joseph Williamson's works. The Centre has been open for 4 years and generates sufficient interest (both national and international) to merit being open 5 days a week nearly every week of the year. In this time in Britain, a man named Joseph Williamson began digging his legacy. We are managed by a Board of Trustees, which meets formally each month. They remained derelict, filled with rubble and refuse, until archaeological investigations were carried out in 1995. His philanthropy earned him the nickname the King of Edge Hill, whilst his tunnel-building activity earned him posthumous nicknames Joseph Williamson (10 March 1769 – 1 May 1840) was an eccentric English businessman, philanthropist and property owner who is best known for the Williamson Tunnels, which were constructed under his direction in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Take a guided tour through a section of the network of tunnels and view exhibitions which depict the life and times of one of Liverpool's most eccentric characters. Visitors will be able to feel the sandstone and brick tunnels, hear the history of Williamson and his network and feel some of the artefacts found in the tunnels. Born in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Joseph was the son of a glassmaker, but left his family home at the age of 11 to work for Richard Tate in the tobacco and snuff business in Jan 27, 2018 · Dubbed the Williamson Tunnels, this is an underground labyrinth in Edge Hill in Liverpool. Jan 28, 2021 · Annunciata Elwes delves into the Williamson Tunnels. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or stone vaulting over excavations Aug 5, 2018 · The Joseph Williamson Society. Boiler badge found at Joseph Williamson's House site. In 1664 he became Secretary of State, which appointment he filled four years. I came across this recently whilst looking around for other curiosities in my favourite city, Liverpool on the UK. Williamson was working on the tunnels in 1820. . A gruff and ill-tempered philanthropist living in 19th-century Liverpool, Williamson’s building projects led him to discover a network of gateways to different points in time and space beneath the city. Joseph Williamson was the vicar of Bridekirk from 1625 to 1634. Williamson’s story; Pictures of JW; Anecdotes; Cumbria; Stonehouse and Hand; The Tunnels. A charity funded museum built with a loan from the European Heritage Fund. The und The History of Williamson’s Tunnels. The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. 44 Mason Street. May 3, 2011 · Joseph Williamson’s Tunnels are the maze-like remains of excavations under Edge Hill. Jun 24, 2019 · The 'banqueting hall' chamber beneath Joseph Williamson's house, excavated by Friends Of The Williamson's Tunnels The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. FoWT's main location on Mason Street is the site of Joseph Williamson's house, which has been largely demolished except for a small part of the facade that One Doctor arrives with Yaz in the tunnels to rescue Kate, who realises that the doors are a result of the Flux in the future affecting the past. Williamson had bought land on Mason Street on which to build houses. 2002: Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre created by the Joseph Williamson Society, tunnels excavated. Before doing anything else, however, the Doctor sends Williamson back to his time, as he is too important to history, thanking him for his help in saving the universe. Sep 10, 2015 · The residents know they were built between 1810 and 1840 by eccentric local business man, Joseph Williamson, Dave Bridson, manager at the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre in Liverpool, tells TIL that after the Napoleonic Wars, a tobacco merchant named Joseph Williamson paid people in Edge hill, Liverpool to dig miles-long tunnels underground. History. Over the years, the Williamson Tunnels The Williamson Tunnels are a network of tunnels in Liverpool, England, thought to have been dug under the direction of tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. Williamson retired from his business in 1818 but continued to be a landlord, one of his tenants being the Unitarian philosopher, James Martineau. They were built in the first few decades of the 1800s under the control of a retired tobacco merchant called Joseph Williamson. Yasmin "Yaz" Khan is the main deuteragonist of the Thirteenth Doctor era of the Doctor Who revival series, serving as one of the main deuteragonists of Series 11 and 12 and the main deuteragonist in Series 13: Flux and the 2022 Specials. Take a 40 minute guided tour through a reopened section of the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, a unique labyrinth of tunnels. Their purpose remains unknown, with some speculating that they were built as a folly . He had a mysterious awareness of the chaotic state of time and the universe in connection to the Flux crisis, and indeed, seemed capable of wandering across different times and places. Around 1817, after the Napoleonic Wars, Liverpool was unexpectedly hit by a recession, fueled Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels and underground caverns under the Edge Hill district. Jun 24, 2019 · The basement level of Joseph Williamson's house in Mason Street, Liverpool. The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations, of unknown purpose, in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Friends of Williamson's Tunnels (FoWT): Joseph Williamson’s House site, Mason Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool, L7 3EW. The tunnels were built at depths between 10 feet (3 m) and 50 feet (15 m) and they stretched for several miles. 13 km away. She is a young police officer in training, who after being confronted with a dangerous Stenza hunter, became the new companion of the time traveling Dec 2, 2024 · The Williamson Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels in Liverpool, were created in the early 19th century by Joseph Williamson, a local tobacco manufacturer. The Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England, which were built under the direction of the eccentric businessman Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. 18M subscribers in the history community. Jan 9, 2025 · Joseph Williamson, Keeper of the State Paper Office at White Hall, and in 1663 made Under-Secretary of State, and soon afterwards knighted. He was Secretary of State for the Northern Department from 1674 to 1679. Map; Gallery; Williamson’s 3D world; 360° Virtual Tour of the tunnels – Gallery No. They were commissioned by eccentric philanthropist Joseph Williamson in the early 1800s. The Joseph Williamson Society, who own and operate tours through the Williamson tunnels in Liverpool, is a registered charity that receives no public funding. (TV: The Vanquishers) While We run our tours every Wednesday and Sunday, with three tours per day at:. 11. Joseph Williamson English businessman, property owner and The Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England, which were built under the direction of the eccentric businessman Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. Little is known about Williamson before his adult life. 3; 360° Virtual Tour of the tunnels – Gallery No. We hope that the few pages presented here will satisfy your appetite to know more. 0. The form part of a tapestry of features that emphasises that conveyancers should not just consider past coal mining when they think of a mining search. 5; 360° Gallery by Adrian Little The organisation was formed in 1996 to try to preserve the underground structures built under the direction of Joseph Williamson, "The Mole of Edge Hill". The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre provides an insight into the fascinating underground world created by Joseph Williamson in the early 19th Century. 4; 360° Virtual Tour of the tunnels – Gallery No. 00am or 12. Sadly, this lack of funding is immediately obvious as the reception, shop and café all look a little dated and in need of some serious TLC. James Stonehouse argued that they were without purpose, though Williamson argued that he was preparing for "the cataclysmic". Our tours include both Tunnels sites in the care of the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels, Paddington and Joseph Williamson’s House Site on Mason Street. Behind the Façade is a large area with 3 Blue containers. Mar 9, 2015 · Known as an eccentric, a businessman and a philanthropist, Joseph’s most enduring legacy must be the tunnels he had constructed in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool. Joseph Williamson’s Tunnels are the maze-like remains of excavations under Edge Hill. Robert Williamson acquired the village and estate of Markham in Nottinghamshire in 1606. Some of the tunnels are at least 30 feet in depth! Could you contribute any of these activities? Tour Guiding Oct 6, 2016 · Joseph Williamson’s Tunnels. Joseph Williamson met the Thirteenth Doctor and her friends just as the Flux began to rip its way across the universe. Please telephone the centre to discuss your needs or attach details to your booking form, so we can make arrangements and ensure you have an enjoyable Jun 19, 2020 · Although the tunnels became increasingly inaccessible following the death of Joseph Williamson, it did not totally disappear from public consciousness. Joseph Williamson (1769-1840) Joseph Williamson was a businessman and philanthropist, and just like Bentinck, he was eccentric as fuck. Please Note: Tunnels tours must be booked in advance. 1. It’s impossible to summarize the story of Joseph Williamson and his tunnels in any succinct way. References Guide Dogs are welcome on site. 25-APR-1997: Joseph Williamson Society acquires charitable status. So following the death of Joseph in 1840, his tunnels began to be filled, sealed and therefore forgotten about. Chris Baraniuk meets the dedicated volunteers digging up their secrets. Delving into the history of Williamson’s Tunnels, I’m taken back to the early 19th century when Joseph Williamson, a wealthy tobacco merchant, began the construction of this underground labyrinth. Learn about Williamson’s motives for their construction, and find out about the lives of the hundreds of workers who built them, in the adjacent heritage centre. One can imagine the men being called from their work, the scratching of the quill on the paper, the dusting with sand and the ritual tappings and rustlings as the documents were folded and rolled and tied with ribbon. Theories range from pure philanthropy The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or stone vaulting over excavations Feb 23, 2016 · To our knowledge Joseph Williamson never created maps of his underground kingdom, or at least if he did create a map of his tunnels, it has never been found. The Doctor had always wanted to meet him. Low lighting levels and can be wet inside therefore care needs to be taken to avoid trips and slips. Joseph Williamson was a philanthropist inearly-19th century Liverpool. 2; 360° Virtual Tour of the tunnels – Gallery No. The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Here's a brief introduction: The Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels and underground caverns under the Edge Hill district of Liverpool in north-west England. Pictures of Williamson. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or Joseph Williamson (10 March 1769 – 1 May 1840) was an eccentric English businessman, philanthropist and property owner who is best known for the Williamson Tunnels, which were constructed under his direction in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. Oct 30, 2021 · Doctor Who fans will be excited as the new series of Doctor Who, staring Jodie Whittaker and Liverpool's own John Bishop draws near. iaw rjgkapx yate lpmua bfrpwwb fpgjbc ousp dscrh xhwzl nymk