To nowhere
ally see the large bronze statue, created by renowned sculptor Sir George Frampton, returned to Nevill Street in 1912, standing prominently near its originally proposed site.
Today, rumours remain that the underpass can be reached via certain basements beneath Nevill Street’s more historic buildings, with talk of cobbled streets and glazed shopfronts still to be admired.
But, after extensive research, it appears that this enigmatic lower level has been consigned to history, having been buried deep beneath the surface for well over a century.
Dan said: “The lost section of Nevill Street must surely be Southport’s most famous urban legend.
“I have heard from a number of residents who claim to have visited or seen the lower level, getting in via the cellars of shops, pubs, the old Victoria Baths, the Wetherspoons, doors in the pier and even under Queen Victoria herself.
“For some of these claims the geography just doesn’t add up, but as part of the research into this historical mystery, I have personally visited several properties in Nevill Street and through doors under the pier – each rumoured to contain access to this legendary street.
“Sadly, I could find no secretive underground avenue, no old shopfronts, no doors and certainly no cobbled streets.
“It’s disappointing, but very much consistent with contemporary news reports and practicalities.”
However, Dan did discover one possible relic of the original street.
Down in the cellars of Leo’s Bar, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the street above, there is a small opening which may well date from the days of the lower level.
A solitary timber window frame, its glass panels long since shattered stands fixed within the wall.
It now opens on to only brickwork, but perhaps at one time did offer views out onto Southport’s lower level and the activities of this thriving holiday town.
“It would be unusual to have a window frame installed without a window, so the existence of this feature suggests that this is part of one of the old shop fronts,” Dan said
“Other than that, no photographs or tangible evidence has come to light to suggest that the lower level of Nevill Street remains in anyway intact.
“It is far more likely than not that the lower level was filled with rubble and sand as documented.
“There is even one historic image which actually shows some shop fronts mid-demolition detached from its surroundings.
“Contributors to our social media channels have kindly provided many stories and anecdotal evidence, but I cannot see any likelihood that these buildings can somehow be restored or even dug out.
“I can only reach the conclusion that the physical elements of the buildings were removed, the void filled in and route covered over. If any readers are somehow able to provide solid details or contrary concrete evidence to support the continued existence of the shop fronts of the lower level, I would be most keen to hear from them, but as I say, this must surely be one for the history books.”
You can follow the work of the Southport Townscape Heritage Project via Twitter @SouthportTHP and via the Facebook group.
Dan can be contacted directly via Daniel. longman@sefton.gov.uk