Story perspectives
Friends of Williamson Tunnels Launch Public Tours of 19th-Century Network
By Drooid · · How we work
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Story summary
- Friends of Williamson Tunnels run public tours of the 19th-century underground network.
- Volunteer guide Tom Stapledon leads visitors down 60-foot-deep sandstone chambers built by Joseph Williamson.
- Excavations after the tunnels' 1990s rediscovery uncovered vaulted brickwork and 19th-century artifacts.
- Researchers say the tunnels were likely built to occupy unemployed artisans after the 1815 Napoleonic Wars.
- Tours operate Wednesdays and Sundays at the Friends site and Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays at the Heritage Centre.