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Published by Willow Publishing, 2007

This 167 page softcover book explores the underground tunnels and spaces of Manchester, or, as it claims on the cover "secrets of the city revealed" - the secrests are not so much revealed though and in most cases consist of very brief and tantalising hints and rumours and tales. This aspect of the book is unsatisfactory in that it is very unsubstantial.

For example, the reputed tunnel under Deansgate is mentioned many times. About 70 feet down and running from the City Centre out to at least the Mancunian Way and being wide enough for a single decker bus. And yet it is never quite clear whether this tunnel is a fact or an unsubstantiated story. Something more real is needed, photographs of such a tunnel are needed. If it is so big and so well known then there must be images.

It's a pity the book is so weak overall as it starts of in splendid style with the manchester & Salford Junction Canal tunnels, complete with pictures which are fascinating. After that though it descends into vague rumour and innuendo. Not good enough I'm afraid.

This is an underground tunnel in Manchester

Is this the book you were talking about?

Photos

These are the best and some poor quality images

Yes that was the book.

It's a fascinating subject but most of the book in question was concerned more with the various arches, not really underground tunnels as such. The tunnels covered were very briefly mentioned and only amounted to anecdotes.

Clearly there is a lot more meaningful information out there.

Inside Out North West had an article on their website about the underground tunnels in Manchester. They go to see the tunnels under the Cathedral. The link above takes you to see the replay of the Inside Out programme online. It's quite interesting really but the best bit is the BT exchange in Picadilly Gardens. Aparently they are nuclear bomb proof and still used as a key phone exchange for the city. The original equipment is still intact save the bit that have been removed for safety reasons!