Taking a shortcut to the Bootle Asda can often prove longer than expected, as the Marsh Lane Time Tunnel reveals the area’s history when taking a closer look. The walls offer a colourful distraction, being decked in murals throughout.
The Marsh Lane Time Tunnel is located beneath Bootle New Strand station, connecting the New Strand shopping area with the Asda supermarket. Within the tunnel, a massive mural tells the tale of Bootle’s local history, dating all the way back to the 19th century.
The tunnel opened in 1885, and up until 1968, was used for transporting goods and freight to the Bootle docks, and had a railway running through it. Formerly part of the Midland Railways “Bootle Goods Branch”, the tunnel is one of the few surviving of its kind, used for pedestrians today.
Created by locals grouping together some years back, requiring the community to come together, including local schoolchildren.
The mural depicts the building of the local railway in the 19th century, as well as the effects of World War II on the area. The effects of The Blitz on Bootle and local sports achievements can also be found, alongside other local heroes.
For example, visitors can marvel at depictions of Margaret Kelly MBE within the Marsh Lane Time Tunnel, who represented Great Britain in the Olympics and FINA world championships as a competitive swimmer and won a Silver Medal in Moscow in 1980. Boxer Johny Cooke has also been immortalised in the mural, who was a champion in 1967.
So, why not stroll along the tunnel and see what you uncover for yourself?