
Culture
It is your last chance to experience the Vaults of Doom with Shiverpool
7 years ago

It’s been 6 years since a lucky discovery lead the spooky kooky kids of Shiverpool down a winding path of no return- as they discovered a treasure trove of hidden histories unheard of before and in so doing, Shiverpool began serving up a serious slice of storytelling to Liverpool’s curious and young at heart.
Shiverpool’s Auld City Shivers Tour had become a pioneering tourism experience in Liverpool- guests (or should we say willing victims) eagerly signed disclaimers, gleefully placing their lives in the clutches of our sallow cheeked Spirit Guides as participants excitedly dabbled in a bit of urban exploration.
Tens of thousands of tourists and locals alike have experienced a unique piece of hidden Liverpool. Lead by the ashen faced Shiverpool guides groups have been given exclusive access to this grade 2 listed building secreted beneath what is now 62 Castle Street Hotel- just one of many subterranean chambers lurking beneath our seven original streets- from which the city sprang.
“It’s been a fantastic 6 years working with 62 and their amazing team- a real privilege to have access to such a beautiful building- steeped in history.”
On discovering the vaults of the former banking house after an invitation by 62’s General Manager, we were delighted to explore the narrow corridors and winding steps and of course the original vaults that were wonderfully preserved- a perfect lair for the climax to The Auld City Shivers tour we thought!
In the past six years there have been so many memories, and memorable guests- highlights include- the cast of Hollyoaks- on a birthday night out- Pete Price got a case of the willies whilst exploring live on air, Channel Five producers Be the Best B&B, UK Inbound visitors, Merseyside police, regular guests from Maersk, Premier apartments and Unilever not to mention the countless schools and international colleges who have braved the depths.
All good things do come to an end and the vaults will soon be closing their doors for the final time. The countdown has begun- so get yourself in on the action and be one of the lucky few to witness the layers of time unpeel before your very eyes as you step (carefully) into a lost world beneath the city streets.
Top Ten Fascinating Facts about the vaults…
- Shiverpool have taken more than 20,000 willing victims into the vaults over the 6 years we have been operating the tour.
- From street level on Castle Street, guests will descend 43ft underground to the final vault.
- The cellars of the banking hall remain out of bounds and at a glimpse you will see their depths soaked in a salty atmosphere of from rise and fall of the River Mersey. Infact original water pumps are visible to the public that still ensure the vaults don’t flood when the tides rise!
- The building was designed by Liverpool architects Lucy and Littler and officially opened in 1868.
- There are 10 separate vaults in total- most of which are visible to guests on entering the labrynthine maze.
- Each vault is impressively designed with 13inch thick walls.
- The Vault doors are made from three layers of metal- steel copper and brass. (nothing can get in and nothing usually gets out- will you?)
- There are believed to be three avaricious lonely spirits that haunt the vaults- so beware of your belongings! Especially any 5 pence pieces you have tinkling in your pockets- they are chosen we think for their shiny surface!
- The Bank opened up as the Alliance Bank in 1868, then later The North & South Wales Bank- until finally The Midland Bank before a complete change to a hotel and restaurant.
- The former banking hall is now a luxury boutique hotel and a vibrant restaurant and bar.