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Welcome to the JWS Website!
A new development in the publicity arm of the Joseph Williamson Society; a charitable trust that is the process of restoring the hidden labyrinth of tunnels which lie dormant under the city of Liverpool, England. The Society has been running for several years now but only recently has it decided to open up to the public the plans to re-develop what could be the 8th Wonder of the World.
Founded by Gabriel Muies, who attains lifetime membership, the Society has been engaged in a project of gigantic proportions for over 6 years now. With the aims to restore the tunnels to their original glory it hopes to make a monument to Joseph Williamson, a man widely regarded as Liverpools greatest benefactor.
This site aims to give the an introduction to the Williamson Tunnels, the Society and how anyone can get involved with the project through the members Forum. There is a explanation off the site, Joseph Williamson and the society. Please explore this site and feel free to contact us, whether it be with query or in interest in getting involved in this project.
The Joseph Williamson Society
JWS was founded by a small group of people, including local ressidents of Edge hill, who were fascinated by the life and achievements of Joseph Willaimson, the Mole of Edge Hill. It became a limited company in 1996, achieving charitable status in 1997.
It aims to extend knowledge of one of Liverpool's most interesting and eccentric philanthtropists to both young and old and to develop for public access, as a tourist attraction, what remains of his tunnels, including new discoveries.
The Trustees, working closely with Seymour Properties and architects Brian Young and Associates, have finally achieved their ambition of securing private and public funding to develop the tunnels on the site of the former Liverpool City Council Cleansing depot on Smithdown Lane. Details of the project are highlighted in this site.
"The time is now right to create a Members' Forum to widen the membership of the Society, embracing everyone wishing to make a cointribution to its objectives.
On behalf of the Trustees, I invite you to join the Forum and participate in what will surely be a thrilling and rewarding adventure!"
On behalf of the Society,
Peter Fowler,
Chair of Trustees.
A History of the Project for the Mason Street Site
In 1996, Seymour Properties bought land on Mason Street containing the best access point to the tunnels network. JWS approached Seymour with a view to preserving the tunnels and as much of the stable-yard as possible. In response, architects Brian Young and Associates, acting for Seymour, contacted English Partnerships and the Heritage Lottery Fund to bring public money into a student housing and tunnel restoration project.
Lancaster University recorded the tunnels for planning requirements and bids submitted to English Partnerships and Heritage Lottery Fund. Support was gained, in late 1997, from the Council for proposals, including 30 flats, 149 student bed spaces, visitor centre and restoration of tunnels below the new build. English Partnerships set aside £500,000 to modify the building foundations to avoid the tunnels. This was conditional on receipt of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £600,000. In addition, they required the stables to be developed into flats with the student housing.
1998 saw the Heritage Lottery Fund grant refused, but applications for European and SRB funds could save the project. This was supported by the Government Office for Merseyside and Granby Toxteth Development Trust. Seymour resistedcommercial pressures to develop the site anyway . They were tested further as English Partnerships withdrew their support.
A revision of the scheme, supported by the Council, Parks Partnership, Government Office on Merseyside and Granby Toxteth SRB Partnership, was made. More of the stables were retained, making the project more economic! However ,the estimated cost to the developer is still substantial. Private finance stands at £329,000 against £408,000 of public funding. It is most important for all that the centre makes a successful attraction, to benefit both locality and city .
Further changes have been made to the plans as work progressed. These include use of a larger number of expensive but thin Odex piles allowing relocation of the new build up to 135cm towards Grinfield Street, so the piles avoid tunnels. Reinforced concrete ground beams up to 8.5m long and 90 by 60cm in section span the tunnels. This makes it possible to build over the tunnels without filling them in, as originally likely to happen .
Joseph Williamson provided vital employment for local residents in the early 1800's. Now history is about to repeat itself ! This exacting project offers construction training and employment in restoring the tunnels described and in building the information centre.
When open, in September 2000, the centre will provide a small number of jobs and additional training opportunities for young people seeking qualifications, and later employment in customer care and tourism.
As Williamson extended his kingdom year by year, so the present partners hope to expand this attraction to give public access to more and more of the complex.
The Joseph Williamson Society
Registered Office: 18 Rose Brae, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18
Company Registration Number: 3231164
Charity Number: 1062091
Mission Statement:
The Joseph Williamson Society pledges, as a registered charity , to work with enthusiasm and dedication to advance the education of the public in the life and philanthropic achievements of Joseph Williamson (1769-1840) and to restore and preserve his complex of tunnels and buildings for the access and benefit of the public .
