An "atmospheric" tunnel that's a throwback to the past has sparked memories for generations of Liverpool commuters.
Many people have admitted to not knowing the long passageway to James Street underground station even exists. The subterranean passageway, accessed through an unassuming set of doors on the side of India buildings, is only open during peak hours on weekdays.
The passageway has been there since James Street Station was built in 1886. Together with Hamilton Square underground station in Birkenhead (which also has a similar tunnel now only used in emergencies), they are the oldest deep level underground stations in the world.
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When the Liverpool ECHO recently ran a story on the pedestrian tunnel, readers took to the comments with some fascinating memories of using the tunnel. Many commented on how much of a physical workout the tunnel is walking up from the station, while others asked what time it was open so that they could see it for themselves.
Others called the tunnel "magic", commenting on how "atmospheric" it is. On Facebook, Elaine Martin, said: "Until I retired I walked down the tunnel every evening. I love it. When you look at the floor you can see the passage of so many generations of feet having worn it away."
On Facebook, Joe Sparks, posted: "I've been down it many times going to work. I quite like it in a weird way. Atmospheric."
Jeannette King, commented: "Used that many times, visiting my nan in Liverpool and catching the train back over the water. It was an adventure for us going down the magic tunnel. This was in the '50s. What memories."
Does this awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
David Evans, said: "It’s a good workout for your heart on the way into work! Also very atmospheric and the posters and tiling are a reminder of a glamorous past."
John Patten, posted: "Started my Railway career 23-years ago at this station and had walk up that passageway many times. What a piece of Liverpool History."
For some people, the walking through the tunnel was associated with fond memories from their youth. Emma Harrop, said: "We used to call it 'the slope'. Great fun running down it as child. In later life I have always wondered where it was and if it was still there."
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Fred Charters, said: "Walked up there most Thursday nights in the 1950s with Uncle Peter taking me to watch the wrestling at Liverpool stadium. Great times."
On the ECHO website, Charliewesty said: "That's evoked a memory of meeting and saying goodnight to a girlfriend who lived in Rock Ferry. I was 16 then, in 1966. Didn't realise it was that steep a walkway then."
While user, beepbeep, wrote of some spooky goings on in the historic tunnel, posting: "I have videoed walking down that tunnel and you can clearly hear kids playing and women talking. It was seven o'clock in the morning and I was the only one in the tunnel. Be prepared to be spooked people."
In 2013, James Street Station was partially closed as part of work to upgrade Liverpool's rail network. During the refurbishment, builders discovered a fascinating glimpse into the past life of the city's commuters.
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Advertising posters – some of which date back more than 50 years – were uncovered by workmen re-tiling the station's floors and surrounding corridors. The Grade II listed pedestrian tunnel, with its entrance situated at the front of India Buildings on Water Street, also dates from the 1880s and was refurbished in 2015.
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