Changes

The canals of Britain were known as Inland Navigations and the labourers and tradesmen who built them became known as "'''Navvies'''". As canal building turned to railway building in the 19th century, the name stuck and the Railway Navvies, and their exploits, became almost part of British folklore.  Around 900 navvies were used to build the Severn Valley Railway. They were mostly recruited from those who had previously worked on the [[Oxford Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway|Oxford Worcester and Wolverhampton]] and Worcester and Hereford Railways, although [[Henry Orlando Bridgeman]] made a special visit to Liverpool in May 1959 to enlarge the labour force<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Nabarro (1971)]] p. 34.</ref>.

===Accidents===*1859 "LABOURERS STRIKINGFALL OF EARTH.-A short distance from William Bennet, a labourer working on the Severn Valley Railway, near [[Sandbourne Viaduct | Sambourne]], upon was on Saturday severely injured by a fall of earth. He is going on favourably under the care of Dr. Montgomery."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000350/18590202/025/0003 Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 2 February 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> The incident bears comparison with the accident suffered by the young Robbie in the first series of [[God's Wonderful Railway]]. *1859 "RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—CORONER'S INQUEST.-On Monday, the 26th September an inquest was held at the Town Hall, in Bridgnorth, before W. D. Butte, Esq. Coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of Benjamin Downes, a young man in the employ of Mr. James Wallace, sub-contractor for the making of the Severn Valley Railway, in this town, and who came by his death in the following awfully-sudden manner : —The deceased's duty was to hook and unhook the trucks proceeding up the cutting of the railway making on the Eardington and Oldbury road and he was observed hanging on one of the waggons whilst they were running at a very rapid speed, when his foot, projecting out, must have struck some obstacle, which caused him to fall across the rail, when the train of waggons passed over his neck and chest, killing him instantaneously. Mr. Wallace, Edward Bache, and a boy named Brown were examined and gave evidence, when, under the direction of the coroner, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001466/18591005/068/0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 05 October 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1859 "ACCIDENT IN THE RAILWAY TUNNEL- -On Thursday, an accident occurred in this tunnel to one of Mr. Hassall's gangers, named James Windy, by a slip of the rock, whilst he was engaged in mining. He was severely injured across the legs, sustaining very severe cuts; but fortunately no bones were broken. Mr. Mathias was quickly in attendance, and we are glad to state that the poor fellow is progressing favourably."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18591202/037/0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 2 December 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1860 "INQUEST,—On Monday, an inquest was held at the Board Room, Atcham Union Workhouse, before Corbet Davies, Esq., deputy coroner for the Ford District, on view of the body of a youth named James Painting, who had met with his death from injuries received by some railway waggons passing over his body. James Halbert said : I live in one of the huts on the Severn Valley Railway linein the parish of Berrington ; I am in the employ of John Combes, a contracter :I am a driver, I know the deceased; on Monday, the 2nd of January, he was breaking a wagon in the turn out ; there were four waggons coupled together in motion at the time ; he put the scotch in the first waggon (the two fore wheels) and pulled at it the force of the waggons threw out the scotch, and he fell to the ground sideways across the rail, he fell on the left side ; three waggons went over him ; they went over one arm and two legs ; if he had put the scotch in the last waggon the accident would not have happened, he was alive when picked up.—By a Juror : I consider the work very dangerous, it is a deep common practice to have boys in the turn out, I lost my arm by that I work twelve years ago."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18600113/021/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 13 January 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1860 On 23 January a labourer at [[Mount Pleasant Tunnel]] lost an eye and long cutting part of his nose when a large piece of timber fell on him.<ref name=BWJ>Berrow's Worcester Journal, reported in [[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 47.</ref> *1860 "ACCIDENT IN THE TUNNEL.--On Monday, an accident of the most serious nature occurred to Mr. Cruppar, the contractor for the brickwork in the tunnel. The unfortunate man was engaged on the scaffolding, when he accidentally fell to the ground, his head coming is contact with the metals, and we are most sorry say that he sustained very severe injuries on the head, as also on the back. Medical assistance was at once procured."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000401/18600321/034/0003 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Wednesday 21 March 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1860 "BRIDGNORTH - RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN THE TUNNEL. — On Thursday morning last a lamentable occurrence took place in [[Bridgnorth Tunnel|the tunnel of the Severn Valley Railway, now being constructed in the new town]]. It appears that whilst Samuel Burton, a navvie, was busily engaged in excavating part of the rock at a place where it had recently been blasted, a large mass of the rock gave way and fell with considerable force on the back of the unfortunate fellow, who, thus prostrated, suffered from a dislocation of the spine and the fracture of several ribs. He was at once conveyed to his residence in the Cart Way, where medical assistance was immediately afforded him, but we regret to state with little effect, as the man is gradually sinking and his friends despair of his recovery from the serious injuries he has experienced."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001467/18600418/069/0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 18 April 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1860 "STOURPORT - MISHAP ON THE LINE,—On Thursday last the works on the Severn Valley Railway, near this town, were somewhat retarded by the giving way of a temporary wooden bridge, it appears that the trucks laden with soil were passing over when it gave way, and five trucks were precipitated into the road, and also the man, who fortunately escaped without injury. The works are progressing very favourably."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000033/18600514/016/0004 Birmingham Daily Post - Monday 14 May 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1860 "FALLING IN OF A RAILWAY TUNNEL.-An accident; which, had it taken place an hour sooner, would have imperilled the lives of 17 human beings, has occurred on the SEVERN Valley Railway, a new line is course of construction from Shrewsbury to Stourport. Close to Bridgnorth, [[Bridgnorth Tunnel|an extensive tunnel is in course of excavation]], which will partially run under the town. Above the entrance, and for some distance into the tunnel, there was a thickness of some 30 or 40 feet of sandstonesoil, in which a number of large trees were rooted. The usual props and supports had been used to keep up this mass while the brickwork was being executed. Sixteen men have great difficulty were employed in the tunnel, and these had only left work about an hour when the superincumbent mass fell in getting , chocking up the tunnel with earth, rock, and trees, for a distance of 50 feet. It is expected that this accident will somewhat retard the opening of the line, which was fixed for next May."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001894/18601127/069/0003 Nottingham Journal - Tuesday 27 November 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1860 "SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—The rain has greatly impeded the works on this line. A few days ago, part of a high stone wall, forming a facing to an embankment adjoining [[Wribbenhall Viaduct|the viaduct over the turnpike road at Wribbenhall]], fell; two men fell along withit, but fortunately no one was hurt."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co. uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18601228/030/0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 28 December 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1861 On Tuesday 9 January 1861 in a cutting south of [[Mount Pleasant Tunnel]], a navvy named Jessie Bishop was killed when a blast hurled rocks at his head. The ganger was instructed to ensure that men were withdrawn to a safe distance before blasting.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Nabarro (1971)]] p. 36.</ref><ref name=BWJ/> *1861 "BROSELEY - SAD ACCIDENT TO A NAVVIE AT THE ROVING.— On Sunday tool lastdistressing cries were heard at some distance from this unfrequented part of the valley, but without those hearing them being able to distinguish the direction in which they came, or the exact locality from which they proceeded. As they continued for some hours— from about twelve o’clock till three or four – Mr. Jackson, of Sutton Wood on the opposite side of the river, got up with his two sons, and, called a man Oliver to assist, procured a boat and crossed the Severn, thinking that some brother keeper had been left half dead by poachers. After some considerable time they came upon the object of their mastersearch — a man with his leg broken in two places from a fall on the side of the hill and weltering in a pool of blood. It appeared that, having been to Broseley for his provisions and having probably got more drink than was good for him, he had fallen in descending the hill side. He was taken to some temporary huts on the line, and medical assistance was sent for."<ref>Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal 6 February 1861, via [http://www.broseley.org.uk/Papers/BROSELEY%201861.mht Broseley Local History Society 1861 transcriptions]</ref> *1861 On 9 March a navvy was injured in the [[Eyemore Cutting|cutting south of Victoria Bridge]] when a 20lb clod of earth fell on him from a height of 20-40ft. He was taken to Bewdley in a fishing boat and 'immediately placed under the care of Dr Webster'. A few days later a navvy was almost killed in a cutting at [[Arley]] when three wagon loads of earth fell on him.<ref name=BWJ/> *1861 "TARBET’S DINGLE - ACCIDENT UPON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—On Saturday morning last a man employed on [[Coalport Brick & Tile Works Siding|these works, where there is a subconsiderable slope]], had his thigh broken by a fall of earth. He was carried, we believe, to Bridgnorth Infirmary."<ref>Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal 29 May 1861, via Broseley Local History Society</ref> *1861 "IRONBRIDGE -contractorFATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday last a boy named Evans, son of Thomas Evans, of the Little Ferry, near [[Bowers Yard Lime Kilns Siding|Benthall Edge]], met with his death under the following circumstances :—Deceased, who was a boy eight or nine years old, had got upon a truck on the Severn Valley Railway, loaded with limestone, and which tips on its side. It appears that he lay upon the board which lifts up and down upon a hinge, and his weight overbalancing the carriage he turned the load over upon himself. When extricated from under it he was quite dead and much mutilated."<ref name=ESJ2509>Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal 25 September 1861, via Broseley Local History Society</ref> *1861 "ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—On Wednesday Richard Jones, a navvy, while getting into one of the empty trucks at [[Hampton Loade|Hamptons Load]], fell under the wheels, which passed over his right foot, informed them and so injured his toes that he should require them had to submit to amputation."<ref name=ESJ2509/> *1862 "FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY. — An accident, which terminated fatally to one of the workmen on the Severn Valley Railway, a man named John Grosby, occurred on Tuesday. Near to the [[Buildwas]] station a siding is being constructed; and, in order to fill 15 trucks per expedite the work, night relays of men are employed. About half-put three o’clock on the morning of the day instead named an engine passed down the line from Shrewsbury. It was stopped at the Buildwas station for a supply of 14water, and whilst there the discovery was made that one of the labourers had been run over. He was found close to the rails, with both his legs cut off. The engine was backed, and the poor fellow was placed thereon, and conveyed to the Bridgnorth Infirmary, where he expired about seven o’clock. The unfortunate man has left a widow and two children to mourn his untimely end. An inquest was held on view of the remains at the Squirrel Inn, Bridgnorth, before W. D. Bette, Esq., coroner, and a verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned."<ref>Shrewsbury Chronicle 17th January 1862, reported in [http://www.broseley.org.uk/Papers/Broseley%201862.pdf Broseley Papers]</ref>  *1875 "SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE KIDDERMINSTER AND BEWDLEY LOOP LINE.-A serious accident occurred on Wednesday morning on the line in course of construction between Kidderminster and Bewdley. The contractors. Messrs. Dickenson and Crockett, have a large staff of men engaged on the works, the heaviest part of which comprises the cutting of a tunnel through the sandstone ridge to the west of the Stourport Road. The hardness of the rock necessitates its being blasted, and on Wednesday seven men were engaged in this work, when a charge they had put in failed to explode. It was determined to put in a fresh charge, and whilst the men were proceeding to do this it is supposed that a spark from the iron tools striking the rock caused the original charge to take fire. The explosion of the gunpowder blew six of the men some distance from the spot, and when their comrades ran to them they were found to be badly hurt. Two, whose injuries were most severe, were removed to the Kidderminster Infirmary, and the other four men were taken to their usual lodgings. One of the men has lost his eyesight by the accident. It is stated that all the men are strangers to Kidderminster."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18750918/003/0003 Worcester Journal - Saturday 18 September 1875, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1876 "ACCIDENT AT HOLLOWAY'S THEATRE.—An accident occurred at this theatre, on Saturday evening, to a navvy named Yates. He went to the Theatre to witness the play, and when going to his seat, his foot slipped, and he fell upon his leg, which was broken. He was subsequently admitted to the Kidderminster Infirmary where the broken limb was successfully set. Yates Was engaged on the line, and met with an accident some weeks since, when he had the misfortune to break the same limb."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18760311/004/0003 Worcester Journal - Saturday 11 March 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1876 "FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE LOOP LINE.—A serious accident occurred on the loop line now being constructed between Kidderminster and Bewdley on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of two men and the serious injury of two others. About sixteen men were engaged on the night turn at the Bewdley end of the tunnel which is being driven, and suddenly a large mass of earth fell. A numberof men were knocked down, but those only slightly covered with soil soon crawled out. Unfortunately, four of the men were deeply buried in the earth, and though vigorous steps were taken to reach them, it was two hours before they were all found. Henry Phillips and Matthew Jones, said to be Staffordshire men, were dead; but and Michael Greenall, and a fourth man, whose name we could not learn, were severely hurt. The deceased were both married men and leave families. Mr. David Corbet was soon on the spot, and attended to the two injured men, who were conveyed to Wribbenhall, where they immediately leftremain in a precarious state."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001785/18760318/103/0008 Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Saturday 18 March 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1876 "ACCIDENT ON THE NEW LOOP LINE.—One Of the men, named Abel Cooper, residing at Wribbenhall, taking who are engaged in constructing the new loop line between Bewdley and Kidderminster met with them their toolsa serious accident on Monday evening whilst at work in the tunnel. A truck used for carrying away the soil was running along the metals, and have gone came in quest contact with Cooper, who was knocked down, and the wheel went over one of employment elsewherehis legs, causing an extensive laceration. Mr. C. Webster, surgeon, Bewdley, was summoned to attend the man, and although the latter is going on as well as could be expected, he will be confined to the house fur a considerable period. The accident occurred not far from where two men were buried alive three weeks ago."<ref>Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 26 January 1859 [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500000150/1859012618760408/038005/00040003 Worcester Journal - Saturday 08 April 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 1876 "FALL OF EARTHFATAL ACCIDENTS IN KIDDERMINSTER.Yesterday morning, shortly after eleven o'clock a shocking accident happened on the loop-William Bennetline now in course of construction, a labourer working between Bewdley and Kidderminster. About 80 men were engaged on the Severn Valley RailwayKidderminster side of the tunnel, excavating the earth, and while four men were standing upon some rock about 9 feet from the metals, near [[Sandbourne Viaduct | Sambourne]]shovelling earth into the waggons, a portion of the rock weighing about 15 tons suddenly slipped. It is said that there was on Saturday severely a " fault" in the rock, and the moment it slipped a volume of water rushed from the fissure. One of the men, named John Pritchard, living at Sutton Common, jumped to the ground, and the whole of the rock fell upon him, completely entombing his body. The other men were more fortunate. They slipped with the rock, and none were seriously injured by a fall ; although one of them was buried up to his shoulders. Strange to say, the uninjured men showed no ready disposition to extricate Pritchard, regarding his case as hopeless. Mr. Dickinson and one of earthhis foremen named Swager, set to work, and in about half an hour were able to bring out the body, which was then quite dead. The man had fallen headlong and his feet were fond first. The body was removed to an adjoining public house, when an inquest will be held. Mr. W. Cowen and Mr. D. He is going Corbel were soon on favourably under the care of Drspot and rendered all the assistance possible. MontgomeryThe injured men were taken to the Infirmary."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500001785/1859020218760916/025099/0003 Worcestershire Chronicle 0005 Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Wednesday 02 February 1859Saturday 16 September 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> The incident bears comparison with the accident suffered by the young Robbie in the first series of [[God's Wonderful Railway]].

*1859 1876 "A RAILWAY DEFAULTERANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE LOOP LINE.—On Friday last, one of Monday another accident occurred in the tunnel on the gangers named David Deer, employed upon Loop line between Bewdley and Kidderminster. The engines were engaged as usual in removing the Severn Valley Railwaysoil, at Upper Areleyrock, absconded&co., taking with him from the whole of the wages due line, when by some mischance a man named Philip Stanley, stoker to about twelve or fifteen one of the men for engines, got between that and a fortnight's labourtruck, leaving receiving serious internal injuries. He was removed to the poor fellows and their families completely destituteInfirmary where he lies."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00001500001785/1859071618760923/031108/0008 Worcester Journal Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Saturday 16 July 185923 September 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 1877 "VIOLENT OUTRAGE AND ASSAULT BY A RAILWAY CONTRACTOR James WallaceTERRIBLE GUNPOWDER EXPLOSION NEAR KIDDERMINSTER - TWO MEN FRIGHTFULLY INJURED. An explosion occurred at mid-day, on the line now in the employ course of the directors of the Severn Valley Railway Companyconstruction, was brought up in custody charged with committing an outrageous assault between Kidderminster and seriously wounding William Beddow, one of the workmen on the railwayBewdley. The complainant, who had his head enveloped and bound up in clothes, appeared at Two men were blasting rock near the magistrates office on Monday morning, at eleven o'clock, and with difficulty gave his deposition before Aldermen Deighton, Nock, and Richards, who heard the case to the following effect :— Complainant went about nine this morning to the workshop of the company and demanded his wages due for three days and quarter work ; the prisoner Wallace refused to pay him till the regular pay day (Friday) : words ensued about ittunnel, when complainant was knocked down by Wallace by a blow on portion of the face ; he did not know what with, but he lay senseless for full fuse fell into a quarter of an hour before he was able to rise ; he was seriously injured about the headgunpowder barrel, and had to get a surgeon's assistancetremendous report was heard. Mr. Wallace attempted to prove that Both men were hurled a considerable distance by the force of the complainant had used threatening words to himexplosion, and challenged him to fight, but failed on when found among the cross-examination. A surgeon's certificate was put in to show debris were frightfully injured about the wounded man was in a most precarious state, and, notwithstanding the urgent plea upper part of Wallace their bodies. It seems almost impossible for them to take bail, the magistrates decided upon committing him to gaol to be brought up at eleven o'clock to-morrow morning for re-examination. The event has caused considerable stir in the town and its environslive."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014660000150/1859083118770224/070019/0005 Eddowes's Worcester Journal- Saturday 24 February 1877, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and on the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 31 August 1859British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

===Court appearances and other===*1859 "RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—CORONER'S INQUESTLABOURERS STRIKING.-On MondayA short distance from [[Sandbourne Viaduct | Sambourne]], upon the 26th September an inquest was held at the Town Hall, in Bridgnorth, before W. D. Butte, Esq. CoronerSevern Valley Railway line, there is a deep and a respectable jurylong cutting of sandstone, on which the body of Benjamin Downes, a young man men have great difficulty in the employ of Mrgetting on with. James WallaceOn Tuesday last, their master, a sub-contractor for the making of the Severn Valley Railway, in this town, and who came by his death in the following awfully-sudden manner : —The deceased's duty was informed them that he should require them to hook and unhook the fill 15 trucks proceeding up the cutting per day instead of the railway making on the Eardington and Oldbury road and he was observed hanging on one of the waggons whilst 14, their usual number; but they were running at a very rapid speedimmediately left, when his foottaking with them their tools, projecting out, must and have struck some obstacle, which caused him to fall across the rail, when the train of waggons passed over his neck and chest, killing him instantaneously. Mr. Wallace, Edward Bache, and a boy named Brown were examined and gave evidence, when, under the direction of the coroner, the jury returned a verdict gone in quest of accidental deathemployment elsewhere."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014660000350/1859100518590126/068038/0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire0004, and the Principality of Wales Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 05 October 26 January 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 "CHARGE OF STEALING A SPADERAILWAY DEFAULTER.-At —On Friday last, one of the County Police-court on Saturdaygangers named David Deer, before Mr. Corbett, John Owen, labourer on employed upon the Severn Valley Railway, was charged at Upper Areley, absconded, taking with stealing a spade, him the property whole of Thomas Jones, a fellow workman, living at Factory-yard, Coleham. The spade was deposited in the tool-shed, and missed on Friday evening. The prosecutor proceeded at once to give information wages due to about twelve or fifteen of the police, and on walking up the Wyle-cop, Shrewsbury, he espied the stolen article at the door of men for a marine store dealerfortnight's shoplabour, ticketed for sale, 1.s. 6d. The case was remanded to leaving the Condover petty sessions on Friday (this day)poor fellows and their families completely destitute."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010000150/1859110418590716/031/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0008 Worcester Journal - Friday 4 November Saturday 16 July 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 "STEALING RABBITS.—Joseph Smith and Peter YoungVIOLENT OUTRAGE AND ASSAULT BY A RAILWAY CONTRACTOR James Wallace, two navviesin the employ of the directors of the Severn Valley Railway Company, were was brought up in custody charged with stealing two tame rabbitscommitting an outrageous assault and seriously wounding William Beddow, one of the workmen on Sunday night last, the property of Mrrailway. George Fowler. There being no evidence against SmithThe complainant, he was discharged. Young, when asked if he who had anything to sayhis head enveloped and bound up in clothes, repliedappeared at the magistrates office on Monday morning, "he had a good dealat eleven o'clock, but if he could not do a person any goodand with difficulty gave his deposition before Aldermen Deighton, he would do them no harm." He pleaded guiltyNock, and was sentenced Richards, who heard the case to the following effect :— Complainant went about nine this morning to fourteen the workshop of the company and demanded his wages due for three days' hard labour.-Joseph Smith, and quarter work ; the man charged with stealing prisoner Wallace refused to pay him till the rabbits in the foregoing caseregular pay day (Friday) : words ensued about it, when complainant was charged knocked down by Wallace by a blow on the face ; he did not know what with stealing , but he lay senseless for full a quantity quarter of timberan hour before he was able to rise ; he was seriously injured about the head, and horse rug and various sacks, had to get a surgeon's assistance. Mr. Wallace attempted to prove that the property of [[Petocomplainant had used threatening words to him, Brassey and Betts|Mr. Thomas Brassey]]challenged him to fight, contractor for but failed on the Severn Valley Railwaycross-examination. Inspector Stanton stated that on searching SmithA surgeon's house he found this property. Smith had nothing certificate was put in to say show the wounded man was in his defencea most precarious state, and, but pleaded guiltynotwithstanding the urgent plea of Wallace to take bail, and was sentenced the magistrates decided upon committing him to gaol to one monthbe brought up at eleven o's hard labourclock to-morrow morning for re-examination. The event has caused considerable stir in the town and its environs."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500001466/1859111618590831/036070/0004 Worcestershire Chronicle 0005 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 16 November 31 August 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 1859 "INQUESTNOVEL USE OF THE TUNNEL OR THE NEW TOWN IN UPROAR.--On Monday,—On Mondaythe 26th September, an inquest the neighbourhood of this locality was held at thrown into the utmost excitement by the Board Roomdiscovery, Atcham Union Workhouserather ''mal-a-propos'' of the amours of a son of Vulcan, before Corbet Daviesa married man, Esq.with three children, deputy coroner with a damsel well known for her piping-hot qualities at the Ford Districtcourt of Venus, on view of who, although not favouring the body temple of a youth named James PaintingHymen and his vows, has most prodigally, in times past, who had met favoured her native town with his death from injuries received by some railway waggons passing over his bodythree fine specimens of juvenile vitality. James Halbert said : I live Be this as it may, on the night in one of question, the huts blacksmith, who is employed on the new Severn Valley Railway in making here, met the parish of Berrington ; I am nymph by appointment, which, in a short time, was carried to the employ ears of John Combeshis deserted wife, who at once, with a contracter :I am a driver, I know the deceased; on Mondaytroop of her friends, started off to the 2nd rescue of Januaryher faithless spouse, he was breaking a wagon in the turn out ; there no doubt with threats loud and deep. The offending parties were four waggons coupled together come upon in motion at the time ; he put the scotch in the first waggon (the two fore wheels) crisis of fate, and pulled at it flight was the force order of the waggons threw out the scotchday, and he fell to , after a running chase, the ground sideways across loving couple took shelter from pursuit at the rail, he fell on mouth of the left side ; three waggons went over him ; new tunnel which they went over one arm entered like Dido and two legs ; if he had put Eneas, crouching up at the scotch in the last waggon the accident would not have happenedextent of its furthest end till terms of capitulation were granted them, he was alive when picked upthey surrendered.—By At night, at a Juror : I consider later period, the work very dangerousNew Town was brilliantly illuminated, it is a common practice to have boys and the frail pair were at full length burnt in effigy by the turn outindignant populace, I lost my arm by that I work twelve years agoat a bonfire made expressly for the occasion."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010001466/1860011318591005/021068/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Friday 13 January 1860Wednesday 5 October 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 On 23 January 1859 "CHARGE OF STEALING A SPADE.-At the County Police-court on Saturday, before Mr. Corbett, John Owen, labourer on the Severn Valley Railway, was charged with stealing a labourer spade, the property of Thomas Jones, a fellow workman, living at Factory-yard, Coleham. The spade was deposited in the tool-shed, and missed on Friday evening. The prosecutor proceeded at [[Mount Pleasant Tunnel]] lost an eye once to give information to the police, and part on walking up the Wyle-cop, Shrewsbury, he espied the stolen article at the door of his nose when a large piece of timber fell marine store dealer's shop, ticketed for sale, 1.s. 6d. The case was remanded to the Condover petty sessions on himFriday (this day)."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18591104/031/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 4 November 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref name=BWJ>Berrow *1859 "STEALING RABBITS.—Joseph Smith and Peter Young, two navvies, were charged with stealing two tame rabbits, on Sunday night last, the property of Mr. George Fowler. There being no evidence against Smith, he was discharged. Young, when asked if he had anything to say, replied, "he had a good deal, but if he could not do a person any good, he would do them no harm." He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to fourteen days's Worcester Journalhard labour.-Joseph Smith, reported the man charged with stealing the rabbits in the foregoing case, was charged with stealing a quantity of timber, and horse rug and various sacks, the property of [[Bibliography#BooksPeto, Brassey and Betts|Marshall (1989)Mr. Thomas Brassey]] p, contractor for the Severn Valley Railway. 47Inspector Stanton stated that on searching Smith's house he found this property.Smith had nothing to say in his defence, but pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month's hard labour."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000350/18591116/036/0004 Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 16 November 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "STEALING A WHEELBARROW.—Yesterday, at the Borough Police-court, Richard Jones, a labourer, was charged with stealing a wheelbarrow, the property of [[Peto, Brassey and Betts|Messrs. Brassey and Field]], and which belonged to the works of the Severn Valley Railway, and was of the value of 10s. The prisoner was brought up on remand. —On Wednesday last police-constable Cheshire was on duty in the Circus, when the prisoner accosted him, and charged some one with stealing a barrow belonging to him. The police-officer had previously observed a barrow, which he imagined belonged to Mr. Gordon, and ultimately discovered it. The prisoner claimed the barrow as his own, but it was proved that it belonged to the Severn Valley Railway, by James Thomas, an employee, who identified it from the fact that it was made of sapling oak, and the handle, which had split, was fastened with a nail in a peculiar manner. Prisoner, on being once interrogated about the barrow coming into his possession, said the policeman wanted to know too much; another time he professed to have found it in Meole brook, and latterly maintained that it belonged to Mr. Wace, lawyer.—He was committed to the sessions for trial."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18600215/012/0002 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Wednesday 15 February 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "BOROUGH PETTY SESSION, Monday.-Before R. O. Backhouse, Esq., Mayor, T. W. Wylde Browne, T. Smith, and T. Colley. Esqrs. —Forgery: James Turner, a navvy employed on the Severn Valley Railway under Mr James Wallis, sub-contractor, was charged with uttering a forged cheque for 3s, with the name of W. Wallis attached thereto. The said cheque was passed by prisoner to Mrs. Smith, of the Crown and Cushion public-house, in this town, on the 28th ult. for which he received goods to that amount. Suspicion was attached to the prisoner, in consequence of many forged cheques of a similar nature being in circulation, and he not coming to claim his wages on the Friday night, information was given to Chief constable Cole, who traced the prisoner to Wenlock, and took him into custody the following morning in a lodging-house, and conveyed him to the Bridgnorth lock-up. The prisoner admitted uttering a similar forged cheque, but not the one produced against him, and the bench fully committed him to take his trial at the ensuing assizes."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18600309/065/0006 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 9 March 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "BRIDGNORTH - RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN THE TUNNELAPPREHENSION OF A NIGHT POACHER. — On Thursday morning last a lamentable occurrence took place —It may perhaps be in the tunnel recollection of some of our readers that at the March Assizes last year, George Massey, " a navvy," who had been working on the Severn Valley Railway, now being constructed near Stourport, was convicted and sentenced to nine months' hard labour for poaching in Shrawley Wood, on the 15th of the previous January, when one of the new towngamekeepers of the late T. B. Vernon Esq. It appears that whilst Samuel Burton, a navvieof Hanbury Hall, was busily engaged shot at and severely wounded. Two of Massey's fellow-labourers on the railway were implicated in excavating part the offence, both of whom absconded, and notwithstanding that attempts were made at the time both by the usual notice in the rock at Hue and Cry<ref group="note">'Hue and Cry' was a place where it had recently been blastedpublication which later became the 'Police Gazette'. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_Gazette_(Great_Britain_and_Ireland) Police Gazette on Wikipedia]</ref>, and the offer of a large mass reward by Mr. Vernon to find them out, they escaped detection. One of them, named John Smith, alias Baylis, alias - "Hard Head," has been lately employed at the rock gave way and fell with considerable force tunnel on the back Worcester and Hereford railway, near Malvern. Police-superintendent Phillips, of the unfortunate fellowWorcester division having received information, whowent to the tunnel, thus prostrated, suffered from a dislocation where he apprehended him. The prisoner denied his knowledge of the spine and the fracture of several ribsmatter but made no resistance. He was at once conveyed brought to his residence in the Cart WayWorcester, and taken before H. B. Tymbs, Esq., where medical assistance when be was immediately afforded himremanded, but we regret to state with little effect, as go before the man is gradually sinking and his friends despair justices of his recovery from the serious injuries he has experiencedHundred House Division."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014670000350/1860041818600425/069021/0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales 0004 Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 18 25 April 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "APPREHENSION OF A NIGHT POACHERBROSELEY - CLEVER CAPTURE.—It may perhaps be -Some few weeks back, John Fewtrill was convicted at the Petty Session, for having been trespassing in pursuit of game upon the recollection land of some of our readers that at the March Assizes last yearLord Forester, George Masseyhe was sentenced to fine or a imprisonment. The fine not having been paid, " he made himself scarce for a navvytime. Lately, he has returned," who had been working and found safer employment on the Severn Valley Railway. A warrant had been issued for his apprehension, near Stourport, was convicted and sentenced to nine months' hard labour for poaching placed in Shrawley Wood, on the 15th hand of that active police constable, Jones. This latter made his apearance at the previous Januarycutting at which his quarry was employed, when one of in the gamekeepers character of the late T. B. Vernon Esqa mere spectator.While thus engaged, of Hanbury HallFewtrill, was shot at and severely wounded. Two perhaps thinking that the presence of Massey's fellow-labourers on the railway were implicated in officer boded no good to him, bolted towards the offence, both of whom abscondedriver, and notwithstanding that attempts were made at apparently with the time both by intention or placing the usual notice in river between him and his pursuer. On reaching the Hue and Crybank he changed his purpose, and ran at a rattling pace down the offer of a reward by Mr. Vernon to find them out, they escaped detection. One of them, named John Smith, alias Baylis, alias towing- "Hard Headpath," has been lately employed at tumbling rather than jumping over the tunnel on the Worcester and Hereford railway, near Malvern. gate ; but Police-superintendent Phillipsconstable Jones was not less swift of foot, Alter a gallant chase, the foot of the Worcester division having received information, policeman touched the heel of Fewtrill; who went to down at his length under the policeman. To secure the tunnelquarry, where he apprehended him. The prisoner denied his knowledge of the matter but made no resistance. He was brought to Worcesterhandcuffs were soon put In requisition, and taken before H. B. Tymbs, Esq., when be he was remanded, marched off to go before Broseley. Later in the justices of evening the Hundred House Divisionfine and costs were paid—some 20s, odd."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500000033/1860042518600820/021006/0004 Worcestershire Chronicle 0003 Birmingham Daily Post - Wednesday 25 April Monday 20 August 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "STOURPORT MAGISTRATES COURT, TUESDAY:- MISHAP ON THE LINECharge of Stealing Eight Sovereigns : James Bradshaw,—On Thursday a decent looking man, who said he came from Manchester last the works on week, and was engaged upon the Severn Valley Railway, near this town, were somewhat retarded by the giving way of a temporary wooden bridge, it appears that the trucks laden was charged with soil were passing over when it gave way, and five trucks were precipitated into the road, and also the man, who fortunately escaped without injurystealing eight sovereigns, The works are progressing very favourablybut no good evidence being adduced he was discharged."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00000330001467/1860051418600905/016051/0004 Birmingham Daily Post Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Monday 14 May Wednesday 05 September 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1861 On 9 January 1861 in a cutting south 1860 "BRIDGNORTH - COUNTY SESSIONS A working man on the Severn Valley Railway was charged with stealing timber, the property of [[Mount Pleasant Tunnel]]his employers, a navvy was killed when a blast hurled rocks at his headon the evening of Friday last. The ganger He was instructed committed to ensure that men were withdrawn to a safe distance before blastingShrewsbury gaol for seven days."<ref name=BWJ>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001308/18601212/098/0007 Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 12 December 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1861 On 9 March a navvy was injured in the [[Eyemore Cutting|cutting south of Victoria Bridge]] when a 20lb clod of earth fell on him from a height of 20-40ft"A DRUNKEN Navvy. —On Saturday, before W. W. Browne, Esq. He and Alderman Nock, Richard Cleyton was taken to Bewdley in a fishing boat brought up, charged with drunkenness, and 'immediately placed under the care of Dr Webster'fined 10s. A few and costs, or 14 days later a navvy was almost killed in a cutting at [[Arley]] when three wagon loads of earth fell on himdefault. Committed."<ref name=BWJESJ2509/>

*1862 FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY. — An accident1861 "Robbery by a Navvy : William Bache, which terminated fatally to one of the workmen working on the Severn Valley Railwayrailway, was charged with stealing a man named John Grosbybundle of clothing, occurred on Tuesday. Near to the [[Buildwas]] station property of Henry Williams, also a siding is being constructed; navvy, containing two pairs of moleskin trowsers, waistcoat, shirt, smockfrock, two handkerchiefs, pair of boots, tin can, razor andstrop, in order to expedite and other articles. The facts of the workcase were most singular, night relays as given by the evidence of the companion of men are employedWilliams, one Jesse Law, who deposed that himself and Williams had come up from Bewdley to Bridgnorth, where they had been working on the railway. About half-put three o’clock They arrived on the morning evening of Saturday last and went to the Tumbling Sailors publichouse. After partaking of some ale there, Law, taking up Williams' bundle in mistake for his own, went out and put up at the day named an engine passed down Star publichouse, where, soon after he went in, he deposited the bundle under the line from Shrewsburykitchen screen and fell fast asleep. It was stopped appeared that prisoner and another navvy named Thomas Hunt, were drinking at the Star at that time, and at 12 o'clock, the Buildwas station time for a supply closing the house, they went out and the landlord, David James, saw one of waterthem take up the bundle from under the screen and carry it away with him; Law being then asleep, and whilst there going to remain in the discovery house. The missing property was made that one traced on the Sunday evening into the prisoner's possession, who had it at his lodgings, at John Bache's, Listley street, where the police took possession of the labourers had been run overbundle, and charged him with the robbery. He was found close John Bache, tailor, of Listley street, deposed to prisoner lodging at his house. On the railsSaturday night he came in about a quarter past twelve and brought the bundle, as now produced in court, with both his legs cut offhim. The engine When asked whose bundle it was backed, and he said it belonged to a man working on the poor fellow was placed thereonrailway, and conveyed he gave it to him to the Bridgnorth Infirmarykeep as he was going off. Prisoner had told him (witness) he had been working up at Coalport, where and witness understood he expired about seven o’clockhad had the bundle from there. The unfortunate man has left evidence of David James, Chief-constable Cole, and Police-constable John Instone, corroborated the above evidence. Prisoner made a widow long rambling defence as to his going from the Star publichouse to Yates's, the Prince of Wales beershop, on the Saturday night, and two children meeting with a navvy running, who gave him the bundle to mourn keep, saying his untimely end. An inquest wife was held after him and he wanted to get out of the road; and he said he would call for his bundle on view of the remains Monday. On being told that the bench had made up their mind to send him to Shrewsbury gaol for trial, he at the Squirrel Innonce succumbed, Bridgnorthand begged their Honours to adjudicate on it at once, before Wand pleaded guilty to the charge. D. BetteThe Mayor said the case was clear against him, Esq.and in hopes that it would be a warning to him for the future, coronerthey would deal as leniently as they could, and a verdict of “Accidental Death” was returnedsentenced him to six weeks' imprisonment in Shrewsbury gaol and kept to hard labour."<ref>Shrewsbury Chronicle 17th January 1862, reported in [httphttps://www.broseleybritishnewspaperarchive.orgco.uk/Papersviewer/bl/0000401/18610517/Broseley%201862.pdf Broseley Papers032/0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 17 May 1861, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1876 ==Notes==<references group="Two workmen have been killed and two seriously injured through a great fall of earth in [[Bewdley Tunnel|a new railway tunnel near Bewdley]]note"<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000250/18760318/010/0002 Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Saturday 18 March 1876]</ref>.