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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>.
==1861 Census==
245 were listed as 'head of household', 313 as lodging in other people’s homes, 123 in inns and lodging houses and 60 in 'temporary or makeshift accommodation' which could have included turf and mud huts, caves and old lime kilns. Census details for the navvies working on the 10 miles of the railway in Worcestershire would presumably have been in similar proportions<ref name=JM>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] pp. 46-47.</ref>.
The 1861 census population tables attribute the increase of the population of Shineton, near Wenlock Edge,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/b24751261_0001/page/458/mode/1up Census of England and Wales for the year 1861 : population tables, on archive.org]</ref>, Highley<ref>[https://archive.org/details/b24751261_0001/page/456/mode/1up Census of England and Wales for the year 1861 : population tables, on archive.org]</ref> and Upper Arley,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/b24751261_0001/page/471/mode/1up Census of England and Wales for the year 1861 : population tables, on archive.org]</ref> as being due to temporary workers employed on the railway.
==Newspaper reports==
Other than the 1861 Census, very little evidence remains of the men who were employed in building the Severn Valley Railway apart from newspaper reports, which unfortunately focus almost entirely on either accidents or court appearances.
===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 line, there is a deep in this town, and who came by his death in the following awfully-sudden manner : —The deceased's duty was to hook and long unhook the trucks proceeding up the cutting of sandstonethe 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 men have great difficulty 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 getting 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 withhis death from injuries received by some railway waggons passing over his body. On Tuesday James Halbert said : I live in one of the huts on the Severn Valley Railway in 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 lastwaggon the accident would not have happened, he was alive when picked up.—By a Juror : I consider the work very dangerous, it is a common practice to have boys in the turn out, their masterI 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 part of his nose when a sublarge 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 contractorfor the brickwork in the tunnel. The unfortunate man was engaged on the scaffolding, informed them when he accidentally fell to the ground, his head coming is contact with the metals, and we are most sorry say that he should require them 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 fill 15 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 per day instead 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 14excavation]], 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 soil, their in which a number of large trees were rooted. The usual number; but they immediately props and supports had been used to keep up this mass while the brickwork was being executed. Sixteen men were employed in the tunnel, and these had only leftwork about an hour when the superincumbent mass fell in, taking chocking up the tunnel with them their toolsearth, rock, and have gone in quest trees, for a distance of 50 feet. It is expected that this accident will somewhat retard the opening of employment elsewherethe line, which was fixed for next May."<ref>Worcestershire Chronicle [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001894/18601127/069/0003 Nottingham Journal - Wednesday 26 January 1859 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 with it, but fortunately no one was hurt."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500000401/18601228/030/0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 28 December 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1861 On 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 last distressing 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 search — 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://18590126www.broseley.org.uk/038Papers/0004BROSELEY%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/>
*1859 1861 "FALL OF EARTHTARBET’S DINGLE - ACCIDENT UPON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.-William Bennet, —On Saturday morning last a labourer working man employed on the Severn Valley Railway, near [[Sandbourne Viaduct Coalport Brick & Tile Works Siding| Sambournethese works, where there is a considerable slope]], was on Saturday severely injured had his thigh broken by a fall of earth. He is going on favourably under the care of Dr. Montgomerywas carried, we believe, to Bridgnorth Infirmary."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000350/18590202/025/0003 Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 02 February 1859]Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal 29 May 1861, via Broseley Local History Society</ref> The incident bears comparison with the accident suffered by the young Robbie in the first series of [[God's Wonderful Railway]].
*1859 1861 "A RAILWAY DEFAULTERIRONBRIDGE - FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday lasta boy named Evans, son of Thomas Evans, one of the gangers named David DeerLittle 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, employed had got upon a truck on the Severn Valley Railway, at Upper Areleyloaded with limestone, absconded, taking with him and which tips on its side. It appears that he lay upon the whole of the wages due to about twelve or fifteen of the men for board which lifts up and down upon a fortnight's labourhinge, leaving and his weight overbalancing the carriage he turned the poor fellows load over upon himself. When extricated from under it he was quite dead and their families completely destitutemuch mutilated."<refname=ESJ2509>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18590716/031/0008 Worcester Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal - Saturday 16 July 1859]25 September 1861, via Broseley Local History Society</ref>
*1859 1861 "VIOLENT OUTRAGE AND ASSAULT BY A ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY CONTRACTOR James Wallace.—On Wednesday Richard Jones, in the employ of the directors of the Severn Valley Railway Company, was brought up in custody charged with committing an outrageous assault and seriously wounding William Beddowa navvy, while getting into one of the workmen on the railway. The complainantempty trucks at [[Hampton Loade|Hamptons Load]], who had his head enveloped and bound up in clothes, appeared at fell under the magistrates office on Monday morning, at eleven o'clockwheels, and with difficulty gave which passed over his deposition before Aldermen Deighton, Nockright foot, and Richards, who heard the case to the following effect :— Complainant went about nine this morning to the workshop of the company and demanded so injured 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 it, when complainant was knocked down by Wallace by a blow on the face ; toes that he did not know what with, but he lay senseless for full a quarter of an hour before he was able to rise ; he was seriously injured about the head, and had to get a surgeon's assistance. Mr. Wallace attempted to prove that the complainant had used threatening words to him, and challenged him to fight, but failed on the cross-examination. A surgeon's certificate was put in to show the wounded man was in a most precarious state, and, notwithstanding the urgent plea of Wallace to take bail, the magistrates decided upon committing him to gaol to be brought up at eleven o'clock submit to-morrow morning for re-examination. The event has caused considerable stir in the town and its environsamputation."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.ukname=ESJ2509/viewer/bl/0001466/18590831/070/0005 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 31 August 1859]</ref>
*1859 1862 "FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—CORONER'S INQUEST.-On Monday— An accident, which terminated fatally to one of the 26th September an inquest was held at workmen on the Town Hall, in Bridgnorth, before W. D. ButteSevern Valley Railway, Esq. Coroner, and a respectable juryman named John Grosby, occurred on Tuesday. Near to the body of Benjamin Downes[[Buildwas]] station a siding is being constructed; and, a young man in order to expedite the employ work, night relays of Mrmen are employed. James Wallace, subAbout half-contractor for put three o’clock on the making morning of the Severn Valley Railway, in this townday named an engine passed down the line from Shrewsbury. It was stopped at the Buildwas station for a supply of water, and who came by his death in whilst there the following awfully-sudden manner : —The deceased's duty discovery was to hook and unhook the trucks proceeding up the cutting made that one of the railway making on labourers had been run over. He was found close to the Eardington rails, with both his legs cut off. The engine was backed, and Oldbury road 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 observed hanging held on one view of the waggons whilst they were running remains at a very rapid speed, when his foot, projecting out, must have struck some obstacle, which caused him to fall across the railSquirrel Inn, when the train of waggons passed over his neck and chestBridgnorth, killing him instantaneouslybefore W. MrD. WallaceBette, Edward BacheEsq., and a boy named Brown were examined and gave evidence, when, under the direction of the coroner, the jury returned and a verdict of accidental death“Accidental Death” was returned."<ref>Shrewsbury Chronicle 17th January 1862, reported in [httpshttp://www.britishnewspaperarchivebroseley.coorg.uk/viewerPapers/bl/0001466/18591005/068/0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 05 October 1859Broseley%201862.pdf Broseley Papers]</ref>
*1859 1875 "CHARGE OF STEALING A SPADESERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE KIDDERMINSTER AND BEWDLEY LOOP LINE.-At A serious accident occurred on Wednesday morning on the County Police-court on Saturday, before Mrline in course of construction between Kidderminster and Bewdley. The contractors. Messrs. CorbettDickenson and Crockett, John Owen, labourer have a large staff of men engaged on the Severn Valley Railwayworks, was charged with stealing the heaviest part of which comprises the cutting of a spade, tunnel through the sandstone ridge to the property west of Thomas Jonesthe Stourport Road. The hardness of the rock necessitates its being blasted, and on Wednesday seven men were engaged in this work, when a fellow workman, living at Factory-yard, Colehamcharge they had put in failed to explode. The spade It was deposited determined to put in the tool-sheda fresh charge, and missed on Friday eveningwhilst 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 prosecutor proceeded at once explosion of the gunpowder blew six of the men some distance from the spot, and when their comrades ran to give information them they were found to be badly hurt. Two, whose injuries were most severe, were removed to the policeKidderminster Infirmary, and on walking up the Wyle-cop, Shrewsbury, he espied other four men were taken to their lodgings. One of the stolen article at men has lost his eyesight by the door of a marine store dealer's shop, ticketed for sale, 1accident.s. 6d. The case was remanded It is stated that all the men are strangers to the Condover petty sessions on Friday (this day)Kidderminster."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010000150/1859110418750918/031003/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0003 Worcester Journal - Friday 4 November 1859Saturday 18 September 1875, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1859 1876 "STEALING RABBITSACCIDENT AT HOLLOWAY'S THEATRE.—Joseph Smith and Peter Young, two navvies, were charged with stealing two tame rabbits—An accident occurred at this theatre, on Sunday night lastSaturday evening, to a navvy named Yates. He went to the property of Mr. George Fowler. There being no evidence against Smith, he was discharged. YoungTheatre to witness the play, and when asked if he had anything going to sayhis seat, repliedhis foot slipped, "and he had a good dealfell upon his leg, but if he could not do a person any good, he would do them no harmwhich was broken." He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced subsequently admitted to fourteen days' hard labour.-Joseph Smith, the man charged with stealing the rabbits in Kidderminster Infirmary where the foregoing case, broken limb was charged with stealing a quantity of timber, and horse rug and various sacks, successfully set. Yates Was engaged on the property of [[Petoline, Brassey and Betts|Mr. Thomas Brassey]]met with an accident some weeks since, contractor for the Severn Valley Railway. Inspector Stanton stated that on searching Smith's house when he found this property. Smith had nothing the misfortune to say in his defence, but pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month's hard labourbreak the same limb."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500000150/1859111618760311/036004/0004 Worcestershire Chronicle 0003 Worcester Journal - Wednesday 16 November 1859Saturday 11 March 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 1876 "INQUEST,—On Monday, an inquest was held at FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE LOOP LINE.—A serious accident occurred on the Board Roomloop line now being constructed between Kidderminster and Bewdley on Wednesday night, Atcham Union Workhouse, before Corbet Davies, Esq., deputy coroner for resulting in the Ford District, on view death of two men and the body serious injury of a youth named James Painting, who had met with his death from injuries received by some railway waggons passing over his bodytwo others. James Halbert said : I live in one of the huts About sixteen men were engaged on the Severn Valley Railway in night turn at the parish Bewdley end of Berrington ; I am in the employ of John Combestunnel which is being driven, and suddenly a contracter :I am a driverlarge mass of earth fell. A number of men were knocked down, I know the deceased; on Mondaybut those only slightly covered with soil soon crawled out. Unfortunately, the 2nd four of January, he was breaking a wagon in the turn out ; there men were four waggons coupled together deeply buried in motion at the time ; he put the scotch in the first waggon (the earth, and though vigorous steps were taken to reach them, it was two fore wheels) hours before they were all found. Henry Phillips and pulled at it the force of the waggons threw out the scotchMatthew Jones, and he fell said to the ground sideways across the railbe Staffordshire men, he fell on the left side were dead; 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 Michael Greenall, and a fourth man, whose name we could not have happenedlearn, he were severely hurt. The deceased were both married men and leave families. Mr. David Corbet was alive when picked up.—By a Juror : I consider soon on the work very dangerousspot, it is a common practice and attended to have boys in the turn outtwo injured men, who were conveyed to Wribbenhall, I lost my arm by that I work twelve years agowhere they remain in a precarious state."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010001785/1860011318760318/021103/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0008 Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Friday 13 January 1860Saturday 18 March 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 On 23 January 1876 "ACCIDENT ON THE NEW LOOP LINE.—One Of the men, named Abel Cooper, residing at Wribbenhall, who are engaged in constructing the new loop line between Bewdley and Kidderminster met with a labourer 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 came in contact with Cooper, who was knocked down, and the wheel went over one of his 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>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18760408/005/0003 Worcester Journal - Saturday 08 April 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1876 "FATAL ACCIDENTS IN KIDDERMINSTER. Yesterday morning, shortly after eleven o'clock a shocking accident happened on the loop-line now in course of construction, between Bewdley and Kidderminster. About 80 men were engaged on the Kidderminster side of the tunnel, excavating the earth, and while four men were standing upon some rock about 9 feet from the metals, shovelling earth into the waggons, a portion of the rock weighing about 15 tons suddenly slipped. It is said that there was 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; 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 his 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. Corbel were soon on the spot and rendered all the assistance possible. The injured men were taken to the Infirmary."<ref>[Mount Pleasant Tunnelhttps://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001785/18760916/099/0005 Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Saturday 16 September 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> *1876 "ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE LOOP LINE.—On Monday another accident occurred in the tunnel on the Loop line between Bewdley and Kidderminster. The engines were engaged as usual in removing the soil, rock, &co., from the line, when by some mischance a man named Philip Stanley, stoker to one of the engines, got between that and a truck, receiving serious internal injuries. He was removed to the Infirmary where he lies."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001785/18760923/108/0008 Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Saturday 23 September 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive] lost an eye </ref> *1877 "TERRIBLE GUNPOWDER EXPLOSION NEAR KIDDERMINSTER - TWO MEN FRIGHTFULLY INJURED. An explosion occurred at mid-day, on the line now in course of construction, between Kidderminster and part of his nose Bewdley. Two men were blasting rock near the tunnel, when a large piece portion of timber the fuse fell on himinto a gunpowder barrel, and a tremendous report was heard. Both men were hurled a considerable distance by the force of the explosion, and when found among the debris were frightfully injured about the upper part of their bodies. It seems almost impossible for them to live."<ref name=BWJ>Berrow's [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18770224/019/0005 Worcester Journal- Saturday 24 February 1877, reported in on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref> ===Court appearances and other===*1859 "LABOURERS STRIKING.-A short distance from [[Bibliography#BooksSandbourne Viaduct |Marshall (1989)Sambourne]], upon the Severn Valley Railway line, there is a deep and long cutting of sandstone, which the men have great difficulty in getting on with. On Tuesday last, their master, a sub-contractor, informed them that he should require them to fill 15 trucks per day instead of 14, their usual number; but they immediately left, taking with them their tools, and have gone in quest of employment elsewhere."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000350/18590126/038/0004, Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 26 January 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive] p</ref> *1859 "A RAILWAY DEFAULTER.—On Friday last, one of the gangers named David Deer, employed upon the Severn Valley Railway, at Upper Areley, absconded, taking with him the whole of the wages due to about twelve or fifteen of the men for a fortnight's labour, leaving the poor fellows and their families completely destitute."<ref>[https://www. 47britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18590716/031/0008 Worcester Journal - Saturday 16 July 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 1859 "STEALING VIOLENT OUTRAGE AND ASSAULT BY A WHEELBARROW.—Yesterday, at the Borough Police-court, Richard Jones, a labourer, was charged with stealing a wheelbarrowRAILWAY CONTRACTOR James Wallace, in the property employ of [[Peto, Brassey and Betts|Messrs. Brassey and Field]], and which belonged to the works directors of the Severn Valley RailwayCompany, was brought up in custody charged with committing an outrageous assault and was seriously wounding William Beddow, one of the value of 10sworkmen on the railway. The prisoner was brought complainant, who had his head enveloped and bound up on remand. —On Wednesday last police-constable Cheshire was on duty in clothes, appeared at the Circusmagistrates office on Monday morning, when the prisoner accosted himat eleven o'clock, and charged some one with stealing a barrow belonging to him. The police-officer had previously observed a barrowdifficulty gave his deposition before Aldermen Deighton, which he imagined belonged to Mr. GordonNock, and ultimately discovered it. The prisoner claimed Richards, who heard the barrow as his own, but it was proved that it belonged case to the Severn Valley Railway, by James Thomas, an employee, who identified it from following effect :— Complainant went about nine this morning to the fact that it was made workshop of sapling oak, the company and demanded his wages due for three days and quarter work ; the handle, which had splitprisoner Wallace refused to pay him till the regular pay day (Friday) : words ensued about it, when complainant was fastened with knocked down by Wallace by a nail in a peculiar manner. Prisoner, blow on being once interrogated about the barrow coming into his possessionface ; he did not know what with, said the policeman wanted but he lay senseless for full a quarter of an hour before he was able to know too muchrise ; another time he professed to have found it in Meole brookwas seriously injured about the head, and latterly maintained that it belonged had to get a surgeon's assistance. Mr. WaceWallace attempted to prove that the complainant had used threatening words to him, lawyerand challenged him to fight, but failed on the cross-examination.—He A surgeon's certificate was committed put in to show the sessions wounded man was in a most precarious state, and, notwithstanding the urgent plea of Wallace to take bail, the magistrates decided upon committing him to gaol to be brought up at eleven o'clock to-morrow morning for trialre-examination. The event has caused considerable stir in the town and its environs."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010001466/1860021518590831/012070/0002 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0005 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 15 February 186031 August 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 1859 "BOROUGH PETTY SESSION, MondayNOVEL USE OF THE TUNNEL OR THE NEW TOWN IN UPROAR.-Before R. O. Backhouse-On Monday, Esq.the 26th September, Mayorthe neighbourhood of this locality was thrown into the utmost excitement by the discovery, T. W. Wylde Browne, T. Smith, and T. Colley. Esqrs. —Forgery: James Turnerrather ''mal-a-propos'' of the amours of a son of Vulcan, a navvy employed on the Severn Valley Railway under Mr James Wallismarried man, sub-contractorwith three children, was charged with uttering a forged cheque damsel well known for 3s, with her piping-hot qualities at the name court of W. Wallis attached thereto. The said cheque was passed by prisoner to Mrs. SmithVenus, who, although not favouring the temple of the Crown Hymen and Cushion public-househis vows, has most prodigally, in times past, favoured her native town with three fine specimens of juvenile vitality. Be this townas it may, on the 28th ult. for night in question, the blacksmith, who is employed on the new Severn Valley Railway making here, met the nymph by appointment, which he received goods to that amount. Suspicion , in a short time, was attached carried to the prisonerears of his deserted wife, in consequence who at once, with a troop of many forged cheques her friends, started off to the rescue of a similar nature being in circulationher faithless spouse, no doubt with threats loud and he not coming to claim his wages on deep. The offending parties were come upon in the Friday nightcrisis of fate, information and flight was given to Chief constable Cole, who traced the prisoner to Wenlockorder of the day, and , after a running chase, the loving couple took him into custody shelter from pursuit at the mouth of the following morning in a lodging-housenew tunnel which they entered like Dido and Eneas, and conveyed him to crouching up at the Bridgnorth lock-upextent of its furthest end till terms of capitulation were granted them, when they surrendered. The prisoner admitted uttering At night, at a similar forged chequelater period, but not the one produced against himNew Town was brilliantly illuminated, and the bench fully committed him to take his trial frail pair were at full length burnt in effigy by the indignant populace, at a bonfire made expressly for the ensuing assizesoccasion."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010001466/1860030918591005/065068/0006 Shrewsbury Chronicle Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Friday 9 March 1860Wednesday 5 October 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 1859 "BRIDGNORTH CHARGE OF STEALING A SPADE.-At the County Police- RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN THE TUNNELcourt on Saturday, before Mr. — On Thursday morning last a lamentable occurrence took place in the tunnel of Corbett, John Owen, labourer on the Severn Valley Railway, now being constructed in was charged with stealing a spade, the new town. It appears that whilst Samuel Burtonproperty of Thomas Jones, a navviefellow workman, living at Factory-yard, Coleham. The spade was busily engaged deposited in excavating part of the rock tool-shed, and missed on Friday evening. The prosecutor proceeded at a place where it had recently been blastedonce to give information to the police, a large mass of the rock gave way and fell with considerable force on walking up the back of the unfortunate fellowWyle-cop, whoShrewsbury, thus prostrated, suffered from a dislocation of he espied the spine and stolen article at the fracture door of several ribsa marine store dealer's shop, ticketed for sale, 1.s. 6d. He The case was at once conveyed remanded 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 experiencedCondover petty sessions on Friday (this day)."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014670000401/1860041818591104/069031/0006 Eddowes's Journal0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 4 November 1859, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and on the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 18 April 1860British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 1859 "APPREHENSION OF A NIGHT POACHERSTEALING RABBITS.—It may perhaps be in —Joseph Smith and Peter Young, two navvies, were charged with stealing two tame rabbits, on Sunday night last, the recollection property of some of our readers that at the March Assizes last yearMr. George Fowler. There being no evidence against Smith, he was discharged. Young, when asked if he had anything to say, George Masseyreplied, " he had a good deal, but if he could not do a navvyperson any good,he would do them no harm." who had been working on the Severn Valley Railway, near StourportHe pleaded guilty, and was convicted and sentenced to nine monthsfourteen days' hard labour for poaching in Shrawley Wood.-Joseph Smith, on the 15th of man charged with stealing the previous January, when one of rabbits in the gamekeepers of the late T. B. Vernon Esq., of Hanbury Hallforegoing case, was shot at and severely wounded. Two charged with stealing a quantity of Massey's fellow-labourers on the railway were implicated in the offence, both of whom abscondedtimber, and notwithstanding that attempts were made at the time both by the usual notice in the Hue horse rug and Cryvarious sacks, and the offer property of a reward by [[Peto, Brassey and Betts|Mr. Vernon to find them outThomas Brassey]], they escaped detectioncontractor for the Severn Valley Railway. One of them, named John Inspector Stanton stated that on searching Smith, alias Baylis, alias - "Hard Head," has been lately employed at the tunnel on the Worcester and Hereford railway, near Malvern's house he found this property. Police-superintendent Phillips, of the Worcester division having received information, went Smith had nothing to the tunnelsay in his defence, where he apprehended him. The prisoner denied his knowledge of the matter but made no resistance. He was brought to Worcesterpleaded guilty, and taken before H. B. Tymbs, Esq., when be was remanded, sentenced to go before the justices of the Hundred House Divisionone month's hard labour."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000350/1860042518591116/021036/0004 Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 25 April 186016 November 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 "STOURPORT STEALING A WHEELBARROW.—Yesterday, at the Borough Police- MISHAP ON THE LINEcourt, Richard Jones, a labourer, was charged with stealing a wheelbarrow, the property of [[Peto, Brassey and Betts|Messrs. Brassey and Field]],—On Thursday last and which belonged to the works on of the Severn Valley Railway, near this townand 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, were somewhat retarded by when the giving way of prisoner accosted him, and charged some one with stealing a barrow belonging to him. The police-officer had previously observed a temporary wooden bridgebarrow, which he imagined belonged to Mr. Gordon, and ultimately discovered it. The prisoner claimed the barrow as his own, but it appears was proved that it belonged to the Severn Valley Railway, by James Thomas, an employee, who identified it from the trucks laden with soil were passing over when fact that it gave waywas made of sapling oak, and five trucks were precipitated 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 roadpoliceman wanted to know too much; another time he professed to have found it in Meole brook, and also latterly maintained that it belonged to Mr. Wace, lawyer.—He was committed to the man, who fortunately escaped without injury, The works are progressing very favourablysessions for trial."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00000330000401/1860051418600215/016012/0004 Birmingham Daily Post 0002 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Monday 14 May Wednesday 15 February 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 "BROSELEY BOROUGH PETTY SESSION, Monday.- CLEVER CAPTUREBefore R.-Some few weeks backO. Backhouse, John Fewtrill was convicted at the Petty SessionEsq., for having been trespassing in pursuit of game upon the land of Lord ForesterMayor, he was sentenced to fine or a imprisonmentT. W. The fine not having been paidWylde Browne, he made himself scarce for a timeT. LatelySmith, he has returnedand T. Colley. Esqrs. —Forgery: James Turner, and found safer employment a navvy employed on the Severn Valley Railwayunder Mr James Wallis, sub-contractor, was charged with uttering a forged cheque for 3s, with the name of W. A warrant had been issued for his apprehensionWallis attached thereto. The said cheque was passed by prisoner to Mrs. Smith, of the Crown and placed Cushion public-house, in this town, on the hand of 28th ult. for which he received goods to that active police constable, Jonesamount. This latter made his apearance at Suspicion was attached to the cutting at which his quarry was employedprisoner, in the character consequence of many forged cheques of a mere spectator. While thus engagedsimilar nature being in circulation, Fewtrilland he not coming to claim his wages on the Friday night, perhaps thinking that the presence of the officer boded no good information was given to himChief constable Cole, bolted towards who traced the riverprisoner to Wenlock, apparently with the intention or placing the river between and took him and his pursuer. On reaching into custody the bank he changed his purposefollowing morning in a lodging-house, and ran at a rattling pace down conveyed him to the towingBridgnorth lock-pathup. The prisoner admitted uttering a similar forged cheque, tumbling rather than jumping over the gate ; but Police-constable Jones was not less swift of foot, Alter a gallant chase, the foot of the policeman touched the heel of Fewtrill; who went down at his length under the policeman. To secure the quarryone produced against him, and the handcuffs were soon put In requisition, and he was marched off bench fully committed him to Broseley. Later in take his trial at the evening the fine and costs were paid—some 20s, oddensuing assizes."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00000330000401/1860082018600309/006065/0003 Birmingham Daily Post 0006 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Monday 20 August Friday 9 March 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 "MAGISTRATES COURTAPPREHENSION OF A NIGHT POACHER.—It may perhaps be in the 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, 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 gamekeepers of the late T. B. Vernon Esq., TUESDAY:of Hanbury Hall, was shot at and severely wounded. Two of Massey's fellow- Charge labourers on the railway were implicated in the offence, both of Stealing Eight Sovereigns whom absconded, and notwithstanding that attempts were made at the time both by the usual notice in the Hue and Cry<ref group="note">'Hue and Cry' was a publication which later became the 'Police Gazette'. [https: James Bradshaw//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_Gazette_(Great_Britain_and_Ireland) Police Gazette on Wikipedia]</ref>, and the offer of a decent looking manreward by Mr. Vernon to find them out, they escaped detection. One of them, who said he came from Manchester last weeknamed John Smith, alias Baylis, alias - "Hard Head, " has been lately employed at the tunnel on the Worcester and was engaged upon Hereford railway, near Malvern. Police-superintendent Phillips, of the Severn Valley RailwayWorcester division having received information, was charged with stealing eight sovereignswent to the tunnel, where he apprehended him. The prisoner denied his knowledge of the matter but made no good evidence being adduced he resistance. He was brought to Worcester, and taken before H. B. Tymbs, Esq., when be was dischargedremanded, to go before the justices of the Hundred House Division."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014670000350/1860090518600425/051021/0004 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 05 September 25 April 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 "FALLING IN OF A RAILWAY TUNNELBROSELEY - CLEVER CAPTURE.-An accident; whichSome few weeks back, had it taken place an hour soonerJohn Fewtrill was convicted at the Petty Session, would have imperilled for having been trespassing in pursuit of game upon the lives land of 17 human beingsLord Forester, he was sentenced to fine or a imprisonment. The fine not having been paid, he made himself scarce for a time. Lately, he has occurred returned, and found safer employment on the SEVERN Severn Valley Railway. A warrant had been issued for his apprehension, a new line is course and placed in the hand of construction from Shrewsbury to Stourportthat active police constable, Jones. Close to BridgnorthThis latter made his apearance at the cutting at which his quarry was employed, an extensive tunnel is in course the character of a mere spectator. While thus engaged, Fewtrill, perhaps thinking that the presence of excavationthe officer boded no good to him, bolted towards the river, which will partially run under apparently with the intention or placing the townriver between him and his pursuer. Above On reaching the entrancebank he changed his purpose, and for some distance into ran at a rattling pace down the tunneltowing-path, there tumbling rather than jumping over the gate ; but Police-constable Jones was a thickness of some 3O or 40 feet not less swift of soilfoot, in which Alter a number gallant chase, the foot of the policeman touched the heel of large trees were rooted. The usual props and supports had been used to keep up this mass while Fewtrill; who went down at his length under the brickwork was being executedpoliceman. Sixteen men were employed in To secure the tunnelquarry, and these had only left work about an hour when the superincumbent mass fell in, chocking up the tunnel with earth, rockhandcuffs were soon put In requisition, and trees, for a distance of 50 feethe was marched off to Broseley. It is expected that this accident will somewhat retard Later in the opening of evening the linefine and costs were paid—some 20s, which was fixed for next Mayodd."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00018940000033/1860112718600820/069006/0003 Nottingham Journal Birmingham Daily Post - Tuesday 27 November Monday 20 August 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>
*1860 "MAGISTRATES COURT, TUESDAY:- Charge of Stealing Eight Sovereigns : James Bradshaw, a decent looking man, who said he came from Manchester last week, and was engaged upon the Severn Valley Railway, was charged with stealing eight sovereigns, but no good evidence being adduced he was discharged."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001467/18600905/051/0004 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - 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 1861 "FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY. — An accidentRobbery 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>
==See also==
==Links==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navvy Navvy on Wikipedia]
*[https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/navvies-workers-who-built-railways Navvies: workers who built the railways, National Railway Museum website]
[[Category:The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership]]
