Crown Street Tunnel
There are two tunnels on Crown Street that connect to the Edge Hill Cutting, which was the original Edge Hill Station located just past the current Edge Hill Station. From this point, the tunnel leads to the site of the former Crown Street Station, the oldest passenger station in the world. It opened its doors in 1830 and ceased passenger services in 1836 but continued to operate as a goods station until 1972.
The Crown Street tunnel, which first opened in 1829, is recognised as the oldest passenger railway tunnel in the world. It was initially used for a passenger station but was later repurposed for goods traffic when Lime Street Station took over passenger services in 1836. The original entrance to the Crown Street Tunnel was sealed off in the 1970s, although you can still access the tunnel from the Edge Hill Cutting entrance. However, this access is blocked when you reach the Crown Street site. The Crown Street tunnel is the smallest of the three tunnels located on the right side of the Edge Hill Cutting. It is also referred to as the Stephenson Tunnel, and there is a hole in the floor that drops down to the Wapping Tunnel, as this tunnel runs above it.
The tunnel, despite its age, remains in surprisingly good condition. Long stalactites dangle from the ceiling, highlighting just how long it has been since the tunnel was last used. It is evident that this tunnel will never see any reopening, and as a result, it will continue to deteriorate over time until it eventually collapses under its own weight. Back in 1972, the tunnel at Crown Street closed its doors for good. It's a fascinating piece of history. The whole goods station shut down shortly after. Today, the site has been filled in with dirt, but if you venture to the other end of the tunnel, you'll come across metal railings with dirt piled up behind them. It's quite a sight - a reminder of what once was. Above the old tunnel entrance, the ground is starting to give way, a subtle nod to the passage of time. Now, the Crown Street station site has been transformed into a beautiful park, but if you look closely, you can still trace the path of the old tunnel. Over the years, the tunnel suffered damage from larger wagons, a testament to its age. It's a shame that such a historic place is off-limits to the public and not properly maintained.
The '1846 tunnel' started off as a small storage tunnel, adding a symmetrical touch to the Edge Hill Cutting. Originally the same size as the 1829 tunnel, it was widened in 1846 to accommodate two lines, leading to the demolition of the Moorish Arch and the end of the symmetrical Edge Hill Cutting. This tunnel is still in use today, serving as a siding for freight trains and terminating at the Crown Street station site. Its historical significance is clearly visible even now.
