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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.
They are thought to have been created under the direction of tobacco merchant, landowner and philanthropist Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. Although popularly described as "tunnels", the majority comprise brick or stone vaulting over excavations in the underlying sandstone.
Joseph Williamson was born on 10th March 1769. His place of birth is not definitely proven, but is widely believed to be Warrington. There is virtually no information on his early years bar the claim that he left his family home aged 11 and went to Liverpool to seek employment.
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.
Explore the tunnels and pits created by Joseph Williamson, a Liverpool merchant and philanthropist, in the early 19th Century. Learn about his life, his vision and his legacy through guided tours and exhibitions.
May 3, 2011 · Learn about the mysterious underground tunnels created by Joseph Williamson, a sugar magnate, in the early 19th century. Find out why he built them, what they look like and how to visit them.
Sep 3, 2015 · The patron of the tunnels, tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson, was extraordinarily secretive about their purpose. Even today, no one is sure exactly what they were used for.
