The Historic, Flooded, Abandoned Railway Tunnels of Liverpool

03:27 - Edge Hill Cutting
08:20 - Crown Street Tunnel
11:26 - Wapping Tunnel
The world's oldest railway tunnels below streets - Wapping and Crown Street Tunnels in Liverpool - are today forgotten and neglected beneath the busy metropolis above. But both were part of the landmark Liverpool-Manchester Railway, opened in 1830, and the epic Edge Hill Cutting, once the beating heart of Liverpool's railways, now silent.
In this video I return to Edge Hill Cutting to investigate some finer points further, before plunging headlong into the Crown Street Tunnel and then the whopping Wapping Tunnel, a 2km-long tunnel below Liverpool leading all the way to the old docks and with plenty of secrets left to reveal.
So grab your hard hat and your waders for an exploration of one of the most historic tunnels in the world!
Liverpool-Manchester Railway Video #1: • Exploring the Abandone...
This video was featured in the Liverpool Echo 8th August 2021:
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/...
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[@itzanonmoose8328]

On behalf of all Scousers, thank you very much for creating this video, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@awentimes8221]

This sort of thing is the reason why television will soon be obsolete. Absolutely brilliant!

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Cheers thanks very much

[@MrLocobloke]

Nice work, and yes what a shame it's not treated as a Heritage site, a reminder of a brilliant engineer in George Stephenson

[@suzyqualcast6269]

And Mr J Husskison, who managed to get himself run over and killed on the opening day of the line,,,,, Husskison Dock was so named in his memory, if its still there.

[@simonsays335]

Don't forget his son Robert! :)

[@antoniospanayiotou8619]

Did you find any remnants of Jimmy Savilles child trafficking?

[@majorpygge-phartt2643]

@@suzyqualcast6269 Yeah, and wasn't there once a Husskison station too?

[@majorpygge-phartt2643]

Yeah, it should be, especially as it was because of George Stephenson's absolute insistence on building tunnels to the highest possible standard that saved the line through Summit tunnel near Littleborough after nearly a whole train load of petrol set on fire inside it december 1984, and I used to know one of the firemen who dealt with that blaze.

[@johnburns4017]

The Wapping tunnel was scheduled to be used in the creation of the Merseyrail network in the 1970s. Thatcher came to power stopping the what was not built. A large underground burrowing junction was constructed south of Central station complete with header tunnels to connect onto the Wapping tunnel. They headers are still there ready for the work to be completed. This would have connected the east of the city with the main 3rd rail underground section. The east of the city was served by diesel trains until the work was completed then run by Merseyrail. Merseyrail trains could have run from Liverpool's underground section to Wigan and St.Helens. This disconnect affected the city. The city has been waiting for over 40 years to have the one third of the metro completed. So far zero, while London in the meantime has had, the Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, Thameslink, Underground extensions, etc.

[@simonevans1838]

I came across your video by accident and all I have to say is well done. I can't believe that such a historic piece of railway engineering is basically landfill and being treated with such disrespect. Your presentation skills as a roving reporter are excellent and put many pros to shame (I am an ex broadcast cameraman). Loved every second and will follow any progress with great interest.

[@jennythescouser]

Waterloo Tunnel next? - lol That ran just north of Edge Hill Station went to Waterloo Dock, then it used to curve to the south to serve Princes Dock station. There, passengers could step off the train and straight on to an awaiting Cunard liner without needing as much as an umbrella.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Oh yes it's on my list!

[@peaceandlove7220]

Jenny slater@ like to see that.

[@Deepthought-42]

3:34 This is such an eclectic and integral part of early railway history in the UK. The whole area should be cleared and restored in recognition of to the Liverpool to Manchester Railway. Surely a history and restoration group could be formed.

[@johnburns4017]

It is *world* history. We have to preserve it for the rest of the world.

[@johnburns4017]

The 1848 tunnel with tracks in it, is still used as a headshunt. The tunnel and the original 1830s Crown St tunnel ran into a large coal depot, which was the site of the original Crown St terminal station. Crown St Park is now on the site.

[@WhiteRabbit-]

This would make a great covered walkway as part of a walking trail. It's beautiful.

[@RCake]

...or a cycle route, for that matter. I can see people traveling to Liverpool just to be able to cycle this bit!

[@garygriffiths2911]

It's shameful I think that such an important historical site - a veritable keystone of the industrial revolution - has been allowed to become so neglected and almost forgotten. Surely this great nation, and the city of Liverpool in particular, should ensure that what remains is at least preserved until a more enlighten time arrives when have we learnt to value our working past more than we do now. Future generations will thank us if we do.

[@aidanrock8719]

Aye, it would be a universal good, but sadly the city of Liverpool has been constantly and royally fucked by our benevolent southern lords, so we have little to no funds to take care of the actual living breathing folks in our wider area, nevermind the maintenence of historic architecture. Maybe when that situation resolves itself, we can turn back to caring for our illustrious history.

[@itzanonmoose8328]

Crown street park has a pretty good memorial to the old railway. The museum of Liverpool at Albert dock has a whole exhibition celebrating the rail way. But it would be nice to see these tunnels repaired and accessible to the public.

[@davidroonmeister]

we would love to but the city of liverpool is experiencing huge cuts to funding that to spend the money needed would mean further cuts to social services. unfortunately the tunnel is north of watford so the central government will not give the funding. if it was in london it would be mind!

[@codprawn]

@@davidroonmeister And yet plenty of money for speedhumps and so called traffic calming that nobody wants!

[@codprawn]

@@davidroonmeister I see Liverpool has been stripped from the UNESCO World Heritage list. A disgrace. I wonder if the corruption cases against the Labour council have anything to do with it? Of course blaming London is much easier!

[@neiljenkins2011]

Also curious to know how you got out of Wapping Tunnel at the very end, because it looked like a well padlocked gate with all gaps filled in around it and the brickwork. Or is that a trade secret?! ;-)

[@richardwills-woodward5340]

Tragic - what is one of the most important heritage sites on the face of planet Earth. This is what Britain of all places has done for it? Nothing. Just gut-wrenching. How?! This should be a tourist site for global tourism. This changed planet Earth forever and all our lives.

[@Robdutton91]

Agreed. Such a shame and a waste to see history this significant just left to rot

[@michaelcampin1464]

You should see the mess that they have made of Stockton- on- Tees station. That beautiful glass roof has gone and it looks a mess. I was there in 1975 for the cavalcade to mark 150 years but 2025 to mark 200 years will be a disaster.

[@richardwills-woodward5340]

@@michaelcampin1464 No-one cares about beauty today. Absolutely no-one.

[@markhypnos]

I agree sir

[@seanpatrickmccarthy1]

From Wikipedia Merseytravel commissioned a feasibility study into the re-opening of the tunnel which was completed in May 2016. The study was focused on using the Wapping Tunnel to connect the Northern and City Lines together and the possible creation of a new station along the route to serve the city's Knowledge Quarter. The report found that the Wapping Tunnel was in good condition though suffered from flooding in places and would require some remedial work, however the concept of re-opening the tunnel was viable.[1]

[@Gubalicious]

It's a shame how our past is neglected and forgotten. That whole area was once an impressive engineering marvel. I understand that you're never going to get the area looking how it once was but it could at least be kept from being overgrown and highlighted and maintained as a heritage site so people can go and see it.

[@AmandaOutThere]

Haven't scrolled through all comments so sorry if I repeat. The triple tunnel landfill bit was called the crows feet. I agree that it is historical site that should be preserved. Recreate the morish arch and pillars on the top and run cable pulled wagons up and down?. Anyhow excellent video.

[@d4v3tm]

if you're scared in a dark tunnel just shout Martin 3x he will appear with tea and biscuits

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Haha and James

[@clockrepairsmerseyside8303]

Fantastic job mate, you brought back so many memories for me , as kids we played down there we lived on Chatsworth street, no health and safety then or computer games, the steps that lead to the top that's over grown we used to drop of the top of the wall and come down those steps, now when I think back how dangerous it was I shudder to think about it but as you know you have no sense of danger, the Wapping tunnel we went down many times, we had a rubber dinghy that I think my Dad's Brother got from somewhere ????? It had the Royal Daffodil printed on the side it so obviously of the ferry it was about 7 foot long bright yellow We used that to get across the water need the end, well done mate and thanks for half hour of great memories 👍👍👍👍👍

[@kelliemariemarshall]

Your are living the life! Am from croxteth and you show me how lazy I am! Keep the vids coming my son thay are top notch!

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Cheers thank you

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

That area at the beginning of the video absolutely needs to be protected and preserved. Some many newer buildings are preserved and renovated, yet that area is absolutely historic internationally in the history of rail and it just lies in ruins. It would make an amazing 'museum' and would help bring visitors.

[@liamhennelly3961]

I thought this myself. We have some absolutely amazing history here on our door step and should preserve it. It's a part of our city's history. I hope they do finally turn it into a kind of museum they would get a lot of visitors yearly.

[@johnburns4017]

If it was in London it would have been a museum decades ago.

[@johnburns4017]

@@liamhennelly3961 The city cares little of its own history. The UN stripped the city of World Heritage Status, as it was desecrating world heritage sites.

[@liamhennelly3961]

@@johnburns4017 The council are not the city, they represent the city they are not the people. The average Scousers doesn't like the council and how it wastes our money.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

@@johnburns4017 Very true.

[@colinmumford267]

What an absolute shame it's in that state ,it would be a great tourist attraction if they cleaned it out and made it accessible people would pay for a tour like Williamson tunnels

[@brainjones9847]

Remember playing in these tunnels as a child, back in the seventies. Remember steps up side of cuttings. Even in the seventies tunnel was flooded at wapping end.

[@brainjones9847]

Did they not use same cuttings for a TV advert, Landrover I think.

[@acmckeown1982]

I used to work in the Builders Yard on Kings Dock Street. There was always enthusiasts turning up to see the tunnel. Apparently, Land Rover filmed an ad down one to show what their car could do. They are responsible for some of the rubble as they needed to show it ‘off-road’, or so we were told! Should definitely be opened up as an historical site. Great vid!

[@stemc83]

I'm from Liverpool and have always wanted to go and have a look around here. There's so much history, it's such a shame that it isn't being preserved in the manner it should be. Thank you for an amazing view of what's down there.

[@johnclarke7828]

That was really interesting, you've made a great documentary on the old tunnel linking the rail line to the docks. I lived in Myrtle Street and had no idea about the tunnels. I've visited the Williamson tunnels which are off Smithdown lane near Myrtle Street. I'm old enough to remember the Overhead railway and near Brunswick station on Merseyrail there was a tunnel that took the Overhead railway to Dingle Station. Liverpool has an amazing history and I wonder how much more has been forgotten.Good on you for making this film.

[@alberttatlock1311]

I knew Clarkes that lived on mount st. There was a mysterious hole at the back of their house which sadly mr Clarke filled in! All that white stuff on the tunnel walls is probably seepage from the gallons of bleach he poured down the hole!.. The city is like swiss cheese, we dont know half of whats down there.

[@KyleMayPhoto]

@@alberttatlock1311 that sounds like a mystery! Mount Street is about 50m from the Wapping Tunnel but well outside Mr Williamson's area of operation, not a clue what that hole could have been!

[@Toe_M]

My Mums family used to shelter in Myrtle gardens basements from the German Air raids in 1941. They lived in Sirdar st next to the cutting wall. She said after one raid a big hole was made above the tunnel and you could see the railway lines below. And a river of margarine was flowing down the road from a warehouse that was hit.

[@malcolmsmith6615]

An underground “flying” junction exists at the south end of Merseyrail Central station, purposely provided in the 1970s, that would allow Merseyrail to be extended from Central into the Wapping Tunnel. There are two options as to where the service would be extended to at the Edge Hill end. Mothballed but there all the same. It is also the reason for the different Up and Down direction alignments between Central and the former St James station (which incidentally is in the process of being reopened).

[@davideeyore2002]

Is it possible that the end where Ollie came out of which was obviously a station, be transformed in to a new terminus for trains from Central? Aptly named Kings Dock station.

[@malcolmsmith6615]

@@davideeyore2002 It was a significant goods station. It would be hard (if not impossible) to run from Central towards the docks; the alignment of the tunnels precluding it, plus the junctions already built at the south end of Central would direct trains into Wapping Tunnel to head east towards Edge Hill. The plan was to extend the Central terminators further east, to Edge Hill and beyond.

[@jota1221]

Well done mate. The tunnels are an important part of the nation’s industrial heritage and something should be done with them.

[@redpaddys12]

Good news on that front, it's just been given scheduled monument status- that puts it on a par with Stonehenge!

[@junipajen]

Very brave doing that on your own! Have you written to Liverpool City Council to request restoration? Such a shame how it has been neglected. This could be a great landmark and tourist spot for Liverpool. Very interesting thank you for sharing.

[@christopherbruchez8040]

Absolutely loved this. I’ve wanted to do what you have done for years! Fabulous! I’m a train driver and these old pieces of railway infrastructure are built to last..... the tunnels I drive through in Derbyshire are just awe inspiring. I think it would be great to see this reused as a combined cycle & tram way, we could even use this for heritage steam traction with the Wapping dock end as a museum/terminus. Well doe by the way, you are a brave man!

[@gazriley624]

i grew up in Edge hill / Wavertree and remember going down there as a kid with my mates

[@paulah2476]

Me too! I walked the whole length back when I was 8 yr with my brother and his friends.

[@sturob6810]

Enjoyed the video, interesting stuff, up here in Edinburgh a lot of the old railway lines are now cycle paths which is good and a possible use for the old railway line down your way.

[@Cerfpve]

Doesn’t even need to be re-used for anything just needs cleaning up completely and protecting.

[@peaceandlove7220]

A lot of history being neglected here and crying out to be restored. With a little imagination the tunnel could be used for sightseers to commute from the docks up to edge hill and possibly connected to the Williamson tunnels. Edge Hill itself should be a heritage site because that's where it all began. But then this is the city that knocked down the world famous caven club and turned it into a car park. Good insight olly.

[@dickdastardly5534]

I always saddens me to see structures like this in a state of disrepair and unused after all the human effort in building it. Imagine if we could repurpose or use for heritage rail - for me this a favourite dream.

[@tomclark7967]

“Most people in Liverpool will know that.” I’m 27, lived here since childhood and had no idea about most things in this video.

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

I think the author was over-estimating their capabilities somewhat. The only thing that “Most people in Liverpool know" is that someone else is to blame.

[@davidcann4329]

An excellent video, well done for finishing your walk through some pretty murky conditions and the rubbish tip. What a shame, totally agree with you, this is a historic piece of very early railway history and at least should be restored as a walkway / cycle route in it's entirety - so important to the history of Liverpool itself.

[@Omfgwhtavid]

This should at least be a tour, absolutely amazing

[@jamesrussell681]

absolutely brilliant documentary, I have actually visited this place myself, however your coverage was in depth and good viewing, tar kidda

[@jamesrussell681]

just adding to what I already said brilliant watch and I agree historical, i would like to think others would probably pay to go on this journey?

[@nuovaman3118]

We used to go there 40 years ago as a kids. Even then, it bothered me that somewhere so historic, not only in Liverpool but in world transport history is left to ruin. We'd go the museum and see replicas of the rocket and original trains that run on it, but left the site to its own despair. I spoke to the council around 1986 regarding the situation and of course, it came down to money. Especially then as Thatcher wanted to see Liverpool and its history fall into a "managed decline" to use the statement from the conservatives of the time. If we're honest, unless historic or transport funding came in to save it, one of the worlds most historic sites, at least in transport, will sadly fade and die. Thanks for the video mate. Brought back some nice memories. A shame there are still vile humans plaguing our city with tipping. I think they see it as out of site out of mind. Thanks for the adventure.

[@user-km7rc4qc2j]

Lol you guys really do blame everything on Thatcher don’t you? It was is disrepair before and still is after. Get that chip off your shoulder.

[@lisie1814]

@@user-km7rc4qc2jread it again instead of focusing on being a Tory hole sniffer. There is evidence of Thatchers wants for the city in the 80’s. The paragraph mentioning her, is a pinpoint in time where it was raised to our council about saving the tunnels and fact is we were deprived of funds by the PM and her party, and that continues today.

[@frontstandard1488]

Excellent video presentation, really enjoyed it. As a non-Liverpudlian (and photographer) who has lived here for only 3.5 years I'm increasingly impressed and fascinated by this city's history, and the region. How things have been allowed to fall I to decay and ruin, with horrendous planning and awful housing estates, is such a shame. This city has been over run by crooks. The heritage of this city is being lost. Take the Tobacco Warehouse. Stunning piece of architecture given to Irish criminals who are destroying it rather than invest it into the community. Greed, the EU and corruption have turned what must have been a sight to behold into a cheap, tawdry wasteland.

[@lfc6times]

What an excellent informative documentary. We used to play regularly in them tunnels when I was a kid in the 70s. For some unknown reason we called them "The time tunnels" (The Timey's) The wapping end always had water there but nowhere near as much as there is now. Scary pitch black we used to light matches and take newspaper and burn them for light. We would climb over the fence at Chatsworth st estate and scale down the walls to the steps It was a long way down one wrong move and you could have died or been seriously injured. We had no fear, we would climb anything. I've fell out of more trees than most kids today have climbed. The kids today have a lot more personal possessions but I think they miss out on the adventures and laughs we had, because we were allowed to do our own thing. Different times Brought back some great memories. Just a shame that we didn't realise the history of the place we used to play in.

[@cd0u50c9]

Great video! Where and how did you access the cutting? I'd love to be able to go there and explore.

[@bouipozz]

Great stuff, I just came across these arches for the first time yesterday and today your video is on my home screen. Really appreciate the effort this must have taken and not once did you ask us to subscribe or go buy some crap like the majority of people on YT, you didn't over-jazz things for people with no attention span or give it a stupid clickbait title. Keep it up man!

[@simonfunwithtrains1572]

Amazing adventure thanks Ollie. This is a piece of world heritage and particularly in regard to the dawn of passenger railways . One has to wonder if this were anywhere else ( The South East!) it would be a visitor centre and preserved for future generations to visit. Best wishes' S&J

[@mrlister2000]

Post 10 would shift that blockage in no time and drain the tunnel!

[@Primate2010]

Thanks to the algorithm for throwing this up into my feed! What a great video. You have a really natural, engaging presentation style, and this is was super interesting, especially as someone born in Merseyside.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Thank you very much!

[@Theemilythompson]

Omg that’s an amazing place! What a day out! There’s probably been more people up Everest than have walked through there since it closed. You’re very brave!

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

Would make a great tunnel for an underground tramway, put a few stations in between, and it would link the dock area to Edge Hill via the city without any traffic delays!. The 157 sign on the way is part of an old gradient marker by the look of it. Great vid.....

[@thefatassassin1850]

i used to play down there when i was younger i live just above the entrance to the edge hill cutting tunnel was good finding out where it lead and all the information on it

[@paulah2476]

I walked this tunnel back when I was 8yrs old with my brother and friends. Cranborne road. 1973 😊

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Wow, what a fantastic thing to do when as a little kid!

[@jjwatcher]

Typical of Liverpool City Council to let these historic tunnels become overgrown and used as dumping grounds, they could clear away the overgrown trees etc and open them as tourist attractions.

[@davewebster6945]

Fabulous bit of exploring. To think we used to walk past this n look over the walls at the railway here as kids on the way to the cinema (aka Tunny) in Tunnel road back in the late 50's early 60's 😊. Im totally amazed anything of it is left at all 😮.

[@colincampbell8178]

As kids,back in the 70's,we used to do this tunnel. Back then we called it the 'Time Tunnel' 😁 Proper afternoon out

[@JadeH9989]

What an insightful video! Such a shame to see how more modern generations have mistreated such an important part of railway & Northern history. Really enjoyed following your journey & I’m excited to see more of your videos 😊

[@ArcAudios77]

Terrible that our Old 1830's Tunnels & Opens are now Flooded Landfill. Good Video, thanks.

[@rthoc71]

Such a nice tribute hopefully Liverpool reopen it. The area at end of wapping tunnel make an ideal HS2/3 station for Liverpool far cheaper than brand new tunnels under Liverpool. Some alterations be needed where Mersey rail cuts through it may have be deepened either side compensate. Fantastic to see video well done

[@davideeyore2002]

Either this or the Waterloo Tunnel. But both should be brought back to use.

[@blotski]

You really should have a wider audience. Why doesn't the BBC pick you up? At least BBC Northwest! You kind of have everything. Great camera and editing skills. Great background knowledge and feeling for what is of interest. Great presentation skills, infectious enthusiasm, sense of humour, pleasant voice and handsome face. (Disclaimer - I am not related to Olly in any way! 😂)

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Cheers thanks very much 😊

[@neiljenkins2011]

Marvellous video. Well done!! I love underground spaces (being an ex- part-time caver and mine explorer), plus I was brought up near Edge Hill. I'd love to do that journey through Wapping Tunnel. I think I'd be inclined to wear my hard hat the whole time, mind. Well done for anticipating the need for the waders, although I'd consider taking a dingy and a paddle! And for all my decades of poking my nose into underground places, I've never ventured far on my own. And on that, a word for the curious ... best not to go into such places alone, and if you do always tell someone where you're going and how long you think you'll be gone, so there's someone who can raise an alarm if you go missing!

[@jaylynch7022]

The bricklayers of today could never re create what the bricklayers of the old world built. Houses built today will crumble in 50 years. This is nigh on 200 years old.

[@jefftoll604]

Also, old fashioned bricklayers gave a 200 year guarantee. If it falls down, you'll get your money back!

[@JD-qd1bp]

Great video, very interesting, you’re a brave lad continuing through there on your Tod!

[@robertcaffrey6097]

Good vid well put together. That historic tunnel would be wasted as a car route, bicycle track would be a much better use.

[@michaelclarkson2218]

What an excellent video. I explored these tunnels several years ago on a weekend trip with some friends. We travelled up from London mainly to meet up with a small group who were planning to open up a museum on the site of the Williamsons Tunnels and whilst we were there we were taken to this location and explored the three tunnels starting at the famous Cavendish cutting. Very interesting history. We managed to pass a couple of airshafts in the Wapping tunnel but shortly after the bit where the other railway cuts over the top the going got a bit tougher and waterlogged so we gave up the final section because we didn't have any waders. I'd like to visit this place again one day. This part of our trip was for me the biggest highlight.

[@moobovine1245]

Well done mate, have done it myself. where there's a will theres a way in/out

[@danieltoth-nagy5097]

There are two things incredible about this video: first, how neglected and derelict these tunnels and places when their historic value is enormous, and second, how this isn't more popular and why only a few thousand people watching you. Amazing work, I wish I could've been there with you.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Thanks Daniel! I appreciate your support

[@Azog150]

This is a man who loves infrastructure. Great watch!

[@paulosullivan3472]

Its sad, we have so much history here and it is all being allowed to be eroded away to nothing. Many councils are even actively trying to destroy bridges built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Its such a shame to our country.

[@gazzab3224]

I agree

[@bernardcooke]

there is another tunnel that went to the riverside station at the pierhead for the liners

[@johnburns4017]

Yes, the Waterloo/Victoria tunnel.

[@Exisles]

Watched the 'Cheggers' video today from way back & it led me back here for a second time. Both are well worth their weight in gold for viewing pleasure & historical content 👍

[@suerobbo9749]

Thank you for a fabulous video 🙂.my house backs onto the wapping tunnel and would love to walk it .not sure about the underwater lake part. I agree this needs to be preserved for history .next time I'll come with you 😁

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Wow that's great. It's a hell of a good place to potter about.

[@pedrobarros2747]

Amazing. Please do more of this, sad the state it got to, someone should do something about it

[@gazzab3224]

I agree

[@Hairysnid]

I've just found this by accident, what a brilliant video! My wife and her family are from Liverpool and I love learning about the industrial history so this is right up my street. If you haven't already, get yourself down the Williamson tunnels. Love the reference to Pat Dickinson. 😄👍 Keep up the good work.

[@pauldavies9014]

great vid mate as we say in liverpool "dead intrestin that"

[@Kerrmit1]

A shame that this piece of history is not regained, just for the historical value

[@andywilliams7323]

Regarding what to do with the tunnel. Since 1969 there's been plans to reinstate it as a rail tunnel. But Liverpool's governing bodies frustratingly haven't ever got past the consideration stage and made the plan a reality. The plan is to link the Wapping tunnel into the Merseyrail Northern Line tunnel that you walked under. And thus link Edge Hill Station with Liverpool Central Station from the south. In doing so it would allow the Merseyrail Metro to run frequent services from Liverpool Central out beyond Edge Hill along the very first Liverpool and Manchester Line (North) to St Helens. And also along the Liverpool to Manchester Line (South). Providing frequent Merseyrail serves to all of the city's inner southeastern stations between Edge Hill and Liverpool South Parkway. Further, the plans also include the possible creation of a bi-directional southeastern metro loop service for Merseyrail. Running out south from Liverpool Central through the Wapping Tunnel past Edge Hill, down south to Liverpool South Parkway and then north along the existing Merseyrail Northern Line back to Liverpool Central. The plan to reuse the Wapping also includes potentially adding a new station within the cutting, (in the same manner as Conway Park Station in Birkenhead), that would serve the Anglican Cathedral and Liverpool Women's Hospital. Furthermore, there's also an existing plan to reuse the Waterloo Tunnel on the other north side of Edge Hill Station for the Merseyrail metro. The Waterloo Tunnel runs from Edge Hill northwest under the city to the Costco Store on Waterloo Road by the old Waterloo Dock. But again it's never got past the consideration stage. The plan would involve linking Edge Hill Station to the existing Merseyrail Northern Rail Line running just behind the Costo Store. And thus link Edge Hill Station with Liverpool Central Station from the north. In doing so it would allow Merseyrail to also run a bi-directional northeastern loop service. Running out North from Liverpool Central past Moorfields. Then through the Waterloo tunnel, past Edge Hill and North along the Canada Dock Branch line to the existing Merseyrail Northern line at Kirkdale Dale Station. And then south down the existing Northern Rail line back to Liverpool Central. The Northeastern loop plan includes creating new stations in the Waterloo tunnel that would serve Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool University and the Liverpool Royal Hospital. And a bunch of old re-opened and brand new stations along the Canada Dock Branch serving the northeast of the city. The realisation of both of those plans would give large amounts of northeastern, eastern and southeastern Liverpool easy access to the frequent Merseyrail Metro service, which would lead to a big reduction in car journeys. These plans have been on paper for decades, but Liverpool's governing bodies have been too apathetic and defeatist to make them a reality. If Liverpool's governing bodies had the same can-do attitude that Manchester's governing bodies have had, those plans would've been made a reality long ago.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Great info thank you!

[@johnburns4017]

There is and was no plan to reuse the Victoria/Waterloo tunnel. A plan for Wapping tunnel only. There was to be an underground parkway station at Broad Green on the eastern section of the Outer Loop. Thatcher cancelled it and the eastern section of the Outer Loop is still waiting for trains, with trackbed still and West Derby station still intact.

[@stevie-ray2020]

If the authorities cleaned out all that rubble, rubbish, & water, then surround the top of those open areas with structures to keep out the rubbish but not the light, I'm certain that they make some revenue from regular guided tours of this historically significant piece of industrial infrastructure! 🤔

[@AllenORourke1954]

It's tragic to see a piece of railway history in such a derelict state when you consider that 19 billion quid has been lavished on Crossrail in London, a tiny fraction of that would restore this historical gem...

[@clarabow2479]

Fantastic video, thanks for taking us with you. What a terrible shame such an important historical site has been left to rot.

[@jonsouth1545]

I would be half tempted to try and clear some of the rubble hihihi maybe could crowdfund a group to do it so that it could become a historical sight.

[@willowwillow7112]

Being in Australia we have very little historic infrastructure. To see these tunnels left to rot is disappointing. The piles of rubbish and graffiti is disgusting and a blight. A very enjoyable video cheers

[@markdolan1004]

Really enjoyed this video, as a scouser really welcome a mancs viewpoint.Obviously you've done your research, would you consider doing other Liverpool sites?Well done great video, look forward to your next one.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Cheers thank you. Yes I love Liverpool and it has a fantastic history.

[@sloth-gaming]

Another great video, Liverpool has quite a few abandoned train tunnels more than people realise, obviously Victoria is the other famous one but quite a few on the old Birkenhead branch and one in bootle for example.

[@lisahaganLFC]

where in bootle mate ?

[@mrsrimskie5493]

Brilliant tour mate, you are either very brave or totally crazy doing that on your own.....total legend!!! 😂👍

[@SocieteRoyale]

really interesting vid, and very close to my house as well, I live not far from Picton Road, and have always been interested by the tunnels and have peeked into the locked end at the car park.... I do wonder how you managed to get out of that locked gate though without the magic of editing or some special keys..... ;-) Nice to see all the ventilation shafts, the only ones I knew about were the Crown Street ones and the one on Blackburn Place. As for the tunnel one wonders if it could be made safe for cyclist or pedestrians? Then I could bike from home on a gentle slope right into town rather than going up and over Edge Hill!

[@yano808721]

First vid of yours ive seen great content love to see im not the only one that appreciates our great history thats sadly lost and forgotton we in the past achieved wonders

[@sightscreen66]

Superb, thanks, and absolutely fascinating. I really felt like I was there and, having had a few faint-hearted moments myself on lone explorations of tunnels and such like, I was totally with you in spirit.

[@paulaloftus6708]

WOW, came across this by accident , so pleased I did. Brilliant , so brave of you to do that alone, I was worried you might be in trouble if you came to some harm. Was there a phone signal, did anyone know were you where? Obviously you were fine but curious to know if you have back up plans etc for safety. Loved the journey. Liverpool born and bred but never realised there is so much hidden history. it would be fabulous if these places could be restored so more people could see them. Imagine it would be a nightmare to plan organise but there could be money in muck . Maybe even controlled rewilding, , pockets of nature for bee's and urban wildlife and places for kids and families to just be.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Fantastic, thanks for making the effort to show us it. 👍🏻

[@ericwilliams2122]

great video!!!! this should be a pilgrimage site for railway enthusiasts worldwide.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Thank you!

[@backtothepast9107]

Such an amazing video! Best that’s ever been done on these tunnels, I have told Old Liverpool Railways about this, and they have added your link to their Twitter 🙂

[@marypoppins8083]

This was amazing i really enjoyed none of us know what lies beneath thankyou for sharing

[@kmag7122]

brilliant very interesting well done for keeping going parts looks very hard indeed so 10/10

[@WezzRail]

Broad Green is actually the oldest railway station still in use, while the platforms and buildings are more recent, it's location is exactly the same as it was in 1830.

[@maskedavenger2578]

It’s criminal what they did to Broad green station .I lived in old Thomas Lane from 1957 to 1963 aged 3 to 9 .I remember it having a 4 platforms 4 tracks & siding s .The station masters house ,waiting rooms & platforms were kept painted & immaculate with landscaping with flowers & plants .I remember traveling on one of the last trams that stopped by the station & also traveling by steam train to lime street & the other way to Huyton from Broad green station .There was no need to bring the motorway as far as the Rocket ,they could & should have begun the Motorway a few miles further out .The remaining platforms might still be in the same place, but the station is not even a shadow of the station it once was .

[@MBO84]

Merseyrail were talking about opening some of these tunnels again. But LCC, true to form, put the brakes on it

[@Magicalfluidprocess]

Brilliant vid this matey , I’m from Liverpool but no longer live there so it has a special place in my heart , Your bravery and enthusiasm where awesome

[@garybooth7121]

Excellent content as ever Pal Given the Brunel history. How this isn’t world Heritage site is unbelievable, given the love it’s had at the Manchester end. Surely there’s a business case to be had for a railway heritage and lottery grant? By running a replica of the original train from the dock area to the Edge hill cutting. That majestic arch with its imposing turrets reconstructed would be a truly great sight

[@johnburns4017]

Brunel was not involved. he was southern.

[@buffplums]

I think what they should do is clear the debris out, make the tunnels safe fit some lighting, and surface the floor of the tunnel as a walkway and cycle path that leads up to Edge hill and then they should turn Crown street end into a museum. As an added bonus, fit a small narrow gauge railway on one side of the tunnel and operate an electric train service to take visitors and tourists alike to and from the station. They could even fit lifts into the air shafts to allow access at different points or create sloping access leading to exit entry points at the surface level of the shafts. The only trouble is this would work anywhere else but not Liverpool because there is just too much delinquency and druggies, dickheads and dossers would just destroy it all and make it dangerous so it would all have to be locked up outside of day to day operations but it still could work and it would bring yet another amazing attraction to Merseyside. But like anywhere town planners don’t operate on ideas that require them to pull their fingers out instead places like this,they pay scrotes to burn them through the brown envelope backhander schemes and usually end up allowing these sites To be developed so housing schemes can operate.

[@johnburns4017]

How about putting train back into the tunnel!

[@SaxonSuccess]

Excellent, very well done!! This should be properly preserved, especially the forest of stalactites. Great ending too, by the way.

[@lordnevets9184]

I did some filming down the Williamson tunnels and it's the same story. Merseyside County Council used the tunnels as landfill. The Friends Of Williamson Tunnels have done a monumental job clearing a lot of it but new sections are being found every year. All volunteers. Astounding work. Seriously, what they've done is nothing short of miraculous but yeah the shortsightedness off the council has buried one of the wonders of the world. Spoilers. No one knows how far or deep they go. Awesome video Sir.

[@KyleMayPhoto]

Really appreciated! We got down to the new deepest point in the tunnels just before covid hit. Which filming were you on?

[@lordnevets9184]

@@KyleMayPhoto We did an Edgar Allen Poe thing called The Cask. We left the wine bottles and the Skulls that we'd made. We had a tunnel collapse on all the camera gear during a Tea break. I remember the temperature the most. Middle of December and it was proper toasty. Can we expect a Williamson Tunnel vid? Cause that would flip my head mate. You're a good egg fella and your knowledge is outstanding. Loving your work Sir.

[@KyleMayPhoto]

@@lordnevets9184 oh crikey, that's going back way before my time! When we're doing tours we show people the skulls and tell em about your filming though... I'm not the guy who posted this video btw, save the praise for Ollie 😂 - But go have a nose at the Liverpool & Manchester Railway Trust, we're working to protect the tunnel/cutting and maybe even turn it into a bit of an attraction. Been cruising for interesting comments on this vid since it's really helping get the word out!

[@lordnevets9184]

@@KyleMayPhoto I'll have a look for sure. I'd be partial to be a bit of heavy clearing up if it meant I could get to see the place. I was down Hall Rd last night. There was a tasty looking drone flying about. Wasn't yours was it? Hall Rd never lets ya down for a good Sunset.

[@lordnevets9184]

@@KyleMayPhoto Deepest point. Wow. Any news on 'The Great Tunnel'? Are they close yet?

[@dr-mn7ld]

Amazing how you get to a padlocked gate and then appear on the other side of it :)

[@S-North]

Fascinating video. World heritage at it's most neglected. Let's hope it doesn't stay that way!