Why These Tunnels Were Built Remains a Mystery

Deep beneath the city of Liverpool is a mysterious set of tunnels that stretch for miles. Who built them? What were they built for? Uncover the secrets of Joseph Williamson, the Mole of Edge Hill.

Williamson made his fortune by 1805 through landownership and selling houses on the Edge Hill area to the rich. It was underneath his very own house on Mason Street, here, that he began to construct the tunnels.

Initially, it was assumed that these tunnels were built to support the large, landscaped gardens and orchards of the houses, that were very much the fashion of the day. However, very quickly the tunnels went further. Small passageways led to enormous chambers, with some sections reaching a staggering 21 metres below the surface. Vaulted chambers over 6 metres high and 25 feet wide were dug into sandstone bedrock.

Everything was built by hand, without any machinery. Men would work to Williamson’s plans, carving and shaping the huge tunnels and chambers with hammers and chisels before reinforcing their creations with hundreds of thousands of bricks. All exquisitely dug underground. In secret.

But what was it all for? Finding clues proves difficult. As the tunnels were a private endeavour, there is scant opportunity to find details of their purpose. However, history may suggest a few theories. Could it be a philanthropist act, trying to give military veterans jobs? Or a post-apocalyptic bunker pushed by the Millenarian extremists in the Church, awaiting the Second Coming of Christ?

[rober]

The narrator stated that the tunnels were dug in secret, but obviously hundreds of labors had to be employed and the excavated rubble would have added up to a small mountain. Very difficult to do in secret.

[grahamkearnon]

Interesting, my mind wanders towards where did all the spoil end up ?

[Aceiolix]

Obviousy the tunnel work should be preserved and turn into some use

[tomstapledon]

This video is very misleading. I don't see any sign of high quality journalism or proper research.

[Captain-Donut]

Maybe these structures…… were constructed by the previous civilisation. And while I might suggest at the beginning of the comment, it’s more a statement of truth.

[trevfriesen]

Was his business shipping and receiving ? Great place to hide undeclared goods. Secret seems a stretch . Veteran employment was nobel endeavor. To often our governments miss the mark on sacrifice AF personnel make only to discard them post mission. My take is you serve you should never go without.