.....News added on 10th July 2005.....

The hunt for Williamson's grave Early July saw a joint party from FoWT and the Heritage Centre officially observing a dig in the midst of Liverpool's large scale Paradise Street redevelopment. Previously, the society has lobbied management of the project for the erection of a monument to Williamson on the abandoned church yard site where he was buried in 1840. That church yard has been a car park in latter years. With the kind foresight of developer Grosvenor Henderson a formal archaeological dig is now under way. The first two stages of the dig have revealed many long-lost grave stones but not yet that of the Tate family. Williamson married into the Tate family and was buried in their family grave. It is intended that the dig will continue into Summer 2005 and we are hopeful that the elusive resting place of Joseph Williamson and his family will be located.

Left, careful digging for Williamson's grave at abandoned church yard

Bore hole drilling at 'house' site Following the success of a previous bore hole drilling project (see Previous News - 22 Nov 2004), FoWT again hired local specialists CC Geotechnical to carry out investigative drilling in May 2005. This time, the aim was to establish the real depth of some of the chambers beneath the site of one of Joseph Williamson's houses on Mason Street.

Among interesting and useful results was the real depth of the famous underground 'Banqueting Hall', which suffers from large hills of rubble having been tipped in over the years. Where visitors currently stand at what appears to be the lowest point, we now know that the real floor is six feet below the soles of their shoes. This means that the Hall is some 24 feet high and its floor some 33 feet down from the surface.

Digging continues at Heritage Centre tunnels Sterling work by the tunnels digging team has seen new depths revealed in the Corner Tunnel, part of the tourist area at the Heritage Centre. Visitors now descend a significant slope, as attempts continue to reveal the important branch tunnel buried beneath. It is hoped that enthusiasts will eventually be able to go inside the branch tunnel and peer along into the legendary 'Triple Decker' tunnel which runs the whole length of the stable yards.

Sloped floor takes visitors deeper into Corner Tunnel

New landlords at Heritage Centre? We understand that the owner of the land on which the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre stands is in the process of selling its interest in the site. The recently built flats on Grinfield Street have been sold to a property concern, whilst the important stable yard adjacent is to be sold to another party. This is significant because the stable yard has underneath its surface some of the most striking of the Williamson Tunnels. Enthusiasts are mindful of the fact that the plot was earmarked for construction of yet more flats by the outgoing landlord. FoWT and management of the Heritage Centre will be seeking early discussions with the new owner regarding plans for the site.