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.....News added on 11th April 2002.....
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·Major new find |
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| The weekend of 6th and 7th April saw an astonishing breakthrough in the ongoing hunt for the hidden sections of the Williamson Tunnels. After several weekends' exploratory digging at an old collapse in the floor of the Smithdown Lane stables site, within yards of the soon-to-be-opened double tunnel, volunteers from the JWS and FoWT unexpectedly broke through into Williamson's legendary 'triple |  |
| Taking measurements in the 'triple decker' | |
| decker' tunnel
- a tunnel which some have long claimed no longer existed. The elated explorers clambered into the upper layer of the three tunnels, unseen for nigh on a hundred years, to be greeted by a straight tunnel sweeping in front of them, some 180 feet long and 25 feet wide. At one end was the facing wall installed when the local railway cutting bisected this part of the labyrinth. At the other end was a T-junction, affording access to a further, previously unrecorded, tunnel of the same large dimensions. Merseyside's County Archaeologist has suggested that the site be declared a full archaeological dig. Hilary Travis, manager of the forthcoming Heritage Centre (the section of the tunnels opening soon) joined Dave Bridson of the JWS in stating their intention that the 'new' tunnel be cleared with a long term view to it eventually being incorporated into the public tour of the tunnels. The find was just reward for the hard work of the volunteer diggers and to the determination of Dave Bridson of the JWS in pressing ahead with the dig in the face of adverse conditions on site. The discovery is of great significance, not only in revealing a major section of the labyrinth, but also as a confirmation that there is much yet to be uncovered. Work will now continue inside the 'triple decker' to survey and record, as well as to look for the way down into the two further 'decks' which still lay hidden beneath. |
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| Below is a selection of photos of the discovery (click any to enlarge) | ||||
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·First tunnels to open around June |
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| Final fitting out with displays and amenities is about to start in the stable tunnels, ready for their opening as a permanent tourist attraction and Heritage Centre some time in June (date to be announced soon). The famous 'double tunnel' is seen here with its new glass enclosure nearing completion. The rediscovered triple decker tunnel runs directly |  |
| under the foreground in this picture, adding more resolve to efforts to see the rest of the labyrinth eventually opened too. | |
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·History Channel documentary |
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| The new 'Secret Passages' documentary is currently being broadcast on the History Channel in the USA. The issue which features our work on the Williamson Tunnels, as previously reported here, will be on American screens in a few weeks time. Here in the UK, the series will be broadcast later in the year and we will post the date as soon as we know it. |
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·Local History Fair |
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| Look out for our Williamson Tunnels stand at the Local History Fair at Liverpool's St. George's Hall on May 11th and 12th. |