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>.

*1859 "FALL OF EARTH.-William Bennet, a labourer working on the Severn Valley Railway, near [[Sandbourne Viaduct | Sambourne]], 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 02 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 ACCIDENT.—CORONER'S INQUEST.TUNNEL- -On MondayThursday, the 26th September an inquest was held at the Town Hall, accident occurred in Bridgnorth, before W. D. Butte, Esq. Coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of Benjamin Downes, a young man in the employ this tunnel to one of Mr. Hassall's gangers, named James WallaceWindy, sub-contractor for the making by a slip of the Severn Valley Railwayrock, whilst he was engaged in this town, and who came by his death in the following awfully-sudden manner : —The deceased's duty mining. He 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 severely injured across the raillegs, when the train of waggons passed over his neck and chest, killing him instantaneouslysustaining very severe cuts; but fortunately no bones were broken. Mr. Wallace, Edward BacheMathias was quickly in attendance, and a boy named Brown were examined and gave evidence, when, under we are glad to state that the direction of the coroner, the jury returned a verdict of accidental deathpoor fellow is progressing favourably."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014660000401/1859100518591202/068037/0006 Eddowes's Journal0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 2 December 1859, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and on the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 05 October 1859British 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 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 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 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 "BRIDGNORTH - RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN THE TUNNEL. — --On Thursday morning last a lamentable occurrence took place in [[Bridgnorth Tunnel|the tunnel Monday, an accident of the Severn Valley Railwaymost serious nature occurred to Mr. Cruppar, now being constructed the contractor for the brickwork in the new town]]tunnel. It appears that whilst Samuel Burton, a navvie, The unfortunate man was busily engaged in excavating part of on the scaffolding, when he accidentally fell to the rock at a place where it had recently been blastedground, a large mass of his head coming is contact with the rock gave way metals, and fell with considerable force we are most sorry say that he sustained very severe injuries on the back of the unfortunate fellowhead, who, thus prostrated, suffered from a dislocation of as also on the spine and the fracture of several ribsback. He Medical assistance 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 experiencedprocured."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/blBL/00014670000401/1860041818600321/069034/0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales 0003 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Wednesday 18 April 21 March 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "STOURPORT BRIDGNORTH - MISHAP ON RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN THE LINE,—On TUNNEL. — On Thursday morning last a lamentable occurrence took place in [[Bridgnorth Tunnel|the works on tunnel of the Severn Valley Railway, near this now being constructed in the new town]]. It appears that whilst Samuel Burton, were somewhat retarded by a navvie, was busily engaged in excavating part of the giving way of rock at a temporary wooden bridgeplace where it had recently been blasted, it appears that a large mass of the trucks laden with soil were passing over when it rock gave way, and five trucks were precipitated into fell with considerable force on the back of the roadunfortunate fellow, who, thus prostrated, suffered from a dislocation of the spine and also the manfracture of several ribs. He was at once conveyed to his residence in the Cart Way, where medical assistance was immediately afforded him, who fortunately escaped without injurybut we regret to state with little effect, The works are progressing very favourablyas 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/00000330001467/1860051418600418/016069/0004 Birmingham Daily Post 0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Monday 14 May Wednesday 18 April 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "FALLING IN OF A RAILWAY TUNNEL.STOURPORT -An accident; which, had it taken place an hour soonerMISHAP ON THE LINE, would have imperilled —On Thursday last the lives of 17 human beings, has occurred works on the SEVERN Severn Valley Railway, a new line is course of construction from Shrewsbury to Stourport. Close to Bridgnorthnear this town, [[Bridgnorth Tunnel|an extensive tunnel is in course were somewhat retarded by the giving way of excavation]]a temporary wooden bridge, which will partially run under it appears that the town. Above the entrance, and for some distance into the tunnel, there was a thickness of some 30 or 40 feet of trucks laden with soilwere passing over when it gave way, 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 five trucks were employed in precipitated into the tunnelroad, and these had only left work about an hour when the superincumbent mass fell in, chocking up also the tunnel with earth, rock, and treesman, for a distance of 50 feetwho fortunately escaped without injury. It is expected that this accident will somewhat retard the opening of the line, which was fixed for next MayThe works are progressing very favourably."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00018940000033/1860112718600514/069016/0003 Nottingham Journal 0004 Birmingham Daily Post - Tuesday 27 November Monday 14 May 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "SEVERN VALLEY FALLING IN OF A RAILWAYTUNNEL.—The rain -An accident; which, had it taken place an hour sooner, would have imperilled the lives of 17 human beings, has greatly impeded occurred on the works on this SEVERN Valley Railway, a new lineis course of construction from Shrewsbury to Stourport. A few days agoClose to Bridgnorth, part [[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 high stone wallthickness of some 30 or 40 feet of soil, forming in which a facing number of large trees were rooted. The usual props and supports had been used to an embankment adjoining [[Wribbenhall Viaduct|keep up this mass while the viaduct over brickwork was being executed. Sixteen men were employed in the turnpike road at Wribbenhall]]tunnel, and these had only left work about an hour when the superincumbent mass fell; two men fell along in, chocking up the tunnel with itearth, rock, and trees, for a distance of 50 feet. It is expected that this accident will somewhat retard the opening of the line, but fortunately no one which was hurtfixed for next May."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010001894/1860122818601127/030069/0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0003 Nottingham Journal - Friday 28 December Tuesday 27 November 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1861 On 9 January 1861 in 1860 "SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—The rain has greatly impeded the works on this line. A few days ago, part of a cutting south of high stone wall, forming a facing to an embankment adjoining [[Mount Pleasant TunnelWribbenhall Viaduct|the viaduct over the turnpike road at Wribbenhall]], a navvy fell; two men fell along with it, but fortunately no one was killed when a blast hurled rocks at his headhurt."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive. The ganger was instructed to ensure that men were withdrawn to a safe distance before blastingco.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/18601228/030/0005 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 28 December 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref name=BWJ/>

*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>Eddows’s 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 "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 considerable slope]], had his thigh broken by a fall of earth. He was carried, we believe, to Bridgnorth Infirmary."<ref>Eddows’s Eddowes’s Shrewsbury Journal 29 May 1861, via Broseley Local History Society</ref>

*1861 "IRONBRIDGE - FATAL 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 carnage carriage he turned the load over upon himself. When extricated from under it he was quite dead and much mutilated."<ref name=ESJ2509>Eddows’s 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, and so injured his toes that lie he had to submit to amputation."<ref name=ESJ2509/>

*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 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 "Two workmen have been killed 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 seriously injured through others. About sixteen men were engaged on the night turn at the Bewdley end of the tunnel which is being driven, and suddenly a great fall large mass of earth fell. A number of 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; 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 remain 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, who are engaged in constructing the new loop line between Bewdley Tunnel|and Kidderminster met with a new railway serious accident on Monday evening whilst at work in the tunnel near . 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>[https://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/00002500001785/1876031818760923/010108/0002 Sheffield Daily Telegraph 0008 Kidderminster Times and Advertiser for Bewdley & Stourport - Saturday 18 March 23 September 1876, on the British Newspaper Archive]</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 Bewdley. Two men were blasting rock near the tunnel, when a portion of the fuse fell into 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>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18770224/019/0005 Worcester Journal - Saturday 24 February 1877, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 "LABOURERS STRIKING.-A short distance from [[Sandbourne Viaduct | 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>Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 26 January 1859 [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000350/18590126/038/0004, Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 26 January 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</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.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000150/18590716/031/0008 Worcester Journal - Saturday 16 July 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 "VIOLENT OUTRAGE AND ASSAULT BY A RAILWAY CONTRACTOR James Wallace, 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 Beddow, one of the workmen on the railway. The complainant, who had his head enveloped and bound up in clothes, appeared at 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 it, when complainant was knocked down by Wallace by a blow on the face ; 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 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/0001466/18590831/070/0005 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 31 August 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 "CHARGE NOVEL USE OF STEALING A SPADETHE TUNNEL OR THE NEW TOWN IN UPROAR.-At -On Monday, the 26th September, the neighbourhood of this locality was thrown into the utmost excitement by the discovery, rather ''mal-a-propos'' of the County Policeamours of a son of Vulcan, a married man, with three children, with a damsel well known for her piping-hot qualities at the court on Saturdayof Venus, who, although not favouring the temple of Hymen and his vows, has most prodigally, in times past, before Mrfavoured her native town with three fine specimens of juvenile vitality. CorbettBe this as it may, on the night in question, John Owenthe blacksmith, labourer who is employed on the new Severn Valley Railwaymaking here, met the nymph by appointment, was charged with stealing which, in a spadeshort time, was carried to the property ears of Thomas Joneshis deserted wife, who at once, with a fellow workmantroop of her friends, living at Factory-yardstarted off to the rescue of her faithless spouse, Colehamno doubt with threats loud and deep. The spade was deposited offending parties were come upon in the tool-shedcrisis of fate, and missed on Friday evening. The prosecutor proceeded at once to give information to flight was the order of the policeday, and on walking up the Wyle-cop, Shrewsburyafter a running chase, he espied the stolen article loving couple took shelter from pursuit at the door mouth of a marine store dealer's shopthe new tunnel which they entered like Dido and Eneas, ticketed for salecrouching up at the extent of its furthest end till terms of capitulation were granted them, 1when they surrendered.s. 6d. The case At night, at a later period, the New Town was remanded to brilliantly illuminated, and the frail pair were at full length burnt in effigy by the indignant populace, at a bonfire made expressly for the Condover petty sessions on Friday (this day)occasion."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010001466/1859110418591005/031068/0004 Shrewsbury Chronicle 0006 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire, and the Principality of Wales - Friday 4 November Wednesday 5 October 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1859 "CHARGE OF STEALING RABBITSA SPADE.—Joseph Smith and Peter Young-At the County Police-court on Saturday, before Mr. Corbett, two navviesJohn Owen, were labourer on the Severn Valley Railway, was charged with stealing two tame rabbits, on Sunday night lasta spade, the property of Mr. George Fowler. There being no evidence against Smith, he was discharged. YoungThomas Jones, when asked if he had anything to say, replied, "he had a good dealfellow workman, but if he could not do a person any goodliving at Factory-yard, he would do them no harmColeham." He pleaded guiltyThe spade was deposited in the tool-shed, and was sentenced missed on Friday evening. The prosecutor proceeded at once to give information to fourteen days' hard labour.-Joseph Smiththe police, and on walking up the man charged with stealing the rabbits in the foregoing caseWyle-cop, was charged with stealing a quantity of timber, and horse rug and various sacksShrewsbury, he espied the stolen article at the property door of [[Petoa marine store dealer's shop, Brassey and Betts|Mr. Thomas Brassey]]ticketed for sale, contractor for the Severn Valley Railway1. Inspector Stanton stated that on searching Smith's house he found this property. Smith had nothing to say in his defence, but pleaded guilty, and 6d. The case was sentenced remanded to one month's hard labourthe Condover petty sessions on Friday (this day)."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500000401/1859111618591104/036031/0004 Worcestershire Shrewsbury Chronicle - Wednesday 16 Friday 4 November 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 1859 "STEALING A WHEELBARROWRABBITS.—Yesterday—Joseph Smith and Peter Young, two navvies, were charged with stealing two tame rabbits, on Sunday night last, at the Borough Police-courtproperty of Mr. George Fowler. There being no evidence against Smith, he was discharged. Young, when asked if he had anything to say, Richard Jonesreplied, "he had a labourergood 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' hard labour.-Joseph Smith, the man charged with stealing the rabbits in the foregoing case, was charged with stealing a wheelbarrowquantity of timber, and horse rug and various sacks, the property of [[Peto, Brassey and Betts|MessrsMr. Thomas Brassey and Field]], and which belonged to the works of contractor for the Severn Valley Railway, and was of the value of 10s. The prisoner was brought up Inspector Stanton stated that 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 himsearching Smith's house he found this property. The police-officer Smith had previously observed a barrow, which he imagined belonged nothing to Mr. Gordon, and ultimately discovered it. The prisoner claimed the barrow as say in his owndefence, 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 oakpleaded guilty, 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 sentenced 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 trialone month's hard labour."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00004010000350/1860021518591116/012036/0002 Shrewsbury 0004 Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 15 February 186016 November 1859, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONSTEALING A WHEELBARROW.—Yesterday, Monday.at the Borough Police-Before R. O. Backhousecourt, Esq.Richard Jones, Mayora labourer, T. W. Wylde Brownewas charged with stealing a wheelbarrow, T. Smiththe property of [[Peto, Brassey and TBetts|Messrs. Colley. Esqrs. —Forgery: James TurnerBrassey and Field]], a navvy employed on and which belonged to the works of the Severn Valley Railway under Mr James Wallis, sub-contractor, and was charged with uttering a forged cheque for 3s, with of the name value of W. Wallis attached thereto10s. The said cheque prisoner was passed by prisoner to Mrsbrought up on remand. Smith—On Wednesday last police-constable Cheshire was on duty in the Circus, of when the Crown prisoner accosted him, and Cushion publiccharged some one with stealing a barrow belonging to him. The police-house, in this townofficer had previously observed a barrow, on the 28th ult. for which he received goods imagined belonged to that amountMr. Gordon, and ultimately discovered it. Suspicion The prisoner claimed the barrow as his own, but it was attached proved that it belonged to the prisonerSevern Valley Railway, by James Thomas, an employee, in consequence who identified it from the fact that it was made of many forged cheques of a similar nature being in circulationsapling oak, and he not coming to claim his wages on the Friday nighthandle, which had split, information was given to Chief constable Colefastened with a nail in a peculiar manner. Prisoner, who traced on being once interrogated about the prisoner to Wenlockbarrow coming into his possession, and took him into custody said the following morning policeman wanted to know too much; another time he professed to have found it in a lodging-houseMeole brook, and conveyed him latterly maintained that it belonged to the Bridgnorth lock-upMr. The prisoner admitted uttering a similar forged chequeWace, but not the one produced against him, and the bench fully lawyer.—He was committed him to take his the sessions for trial at the ensuing assizes."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000401/1860030918600215/065012/0006 0002 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 9 March Wednesday 15 February 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "APPREHENSION OF A NIGHT POACHERBOROUGH PETTY SESSION, Monday.-Before R. O.—It may perhaps be in the recollection of some of our readers that at the March Assizes last yearBackhouse, Esq., Mayor, T. W. Wylde Browne, T. Smith, George Masseyand T. Colley. Esqrs. —Forgery: James Turner, " a navvy," who had been working employed on the Severn Valley Railwayunder Mr James Wallis, near Stourportsub-contractor, was convicted and sentenced to nine months' hard labour charged with uttering a forged cheque for poaching in Shrawley Wood3s, on the 15th of with the previous January, when one name of the gamekeepers of the late TW. BWallis attached thereto. Vernon EsqThe said cheque was passed by prisoner to Mrs.Smith, of Hanbury Hall, was shot at the Crown and severely wounded. Two of Massey's fellowCushion public-labourers house, in this town, on the railway were implicated in 28th ult. for which he received goods to that amount. Suspicion was attached to the offenceprisoner, both in consequence of whom abscondedmany forged cheques of a similar nature being in circulation, and notwithstanding that attempts were made at he not coming to claim his wages on the time both by Friday night, information was given to Chief constable Cole, who traced the usual notice in the Hue and Cryprisoner to Wenlock, and took him into custody the offer of following morning in a reward by Mr. Vernon to find them out, they escaped detection. One of them, named John Smith, alias Baylis, alias lodging- "Hard Headhouse," has been lately employed at the tunnel on the Worcester and Hereford railway, near Malvern. Police-superintendent Phillips, of the Worcester division having received information, went conveyed him to the tunnel, where he apprehended himBridgnorth lock-up. The prisoner denied his knowledge of admitted uttering a similar forged cheque, but not the matter but made no resistance. He was brought to Worcesterone produced against him, and taken before H. B. Tymbs, Esq., when be was remanded, the bench fully committed him to go before the justices of take his trial at the Hundred House Divisionensuing assizes."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00003500000401/1860042518600309/021065/0004 Worcestershire 0006 Shrewsbury Chronicle - Wednesday 25 April Friday 9 March 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "BROSELEY - CLEVER CAPTUREAPPREHENSION OF A NIGHT POACHER.-Some few weeks back, John Fewtrill was convicted at —It may perhaps be in the Petty Session, for having been trespassing in pursuit recollection of some of game upon our readers that at the land of Lord ForesterMarch Assizes last year, he was sentenced to fine or a imprisonment. The fine not having been paidGeorge Massey, he made himself scarce for " a time. Latelynavvy, he has returned, and found safer employment " who had been working on the Severn Valley Railway. A warrant had been issued for his apprehension, near Stourport, was convicted and placed sentenced to nine months' hard labour for poaching in Shrawley Wood, on the hand 15th of that active police constable, Jones. This latter made his apearance at the cutting at which his quarry was employedprevious January, in when one of the character gamekeepers of a mere spectatorthe late T. B. Vernon Esq. While thus engaged, Fewtrillof Hanbury Hall, perhaps thinking that was shot at and severely wounded. Two of Massey's fellow-labourers on the railway were implicated in the presence offence, both of the officer boded no good to himwhom absconded, bolted towards and notwithstanding that attempts were made at the river, apparently with time both by the intention or placing usual notice in the river between him Hue and Cry<ref group="note">'Hue and his pursuerCry' was a publication which later became the 'Police Gazette'. [https://en.wikipedia. On reaching the bank he changed his purposeorg/wiki/Police_Gazette_(Great_Britain_and_Ireland) Police Gazette on Wikipedia]</ref>, and ran at the offer of a rattling pace down the towingreward by Mr. Vernon to find them out, they escaped detection. One of them, named John Smith, alias Baylis, alias -path"Hard Head, tumbling rather than jumping over " has been lately employed at the gate ; but tunnel on the Worcester and Hereford railway, near Malvern. Police-constable Jones was not less swift of footsuperintendent Phillips, Alter a gallant chase, the foot of the policeman touched Worcester division having received information, went to the heel tunnel, where he apprehended him. The prisoner denied his knowledge of Fewtrill; who went down at his length under the policemanmatter but made no resistance. He was brought to Worcester, and taken before H. To secure the quarryB. Tymbs, the handcuffs were soon put In requisitionEsq., and he when be was marched off remanded, to Broseley. Later in go before the evening justices of the fine and costs were paid—some 20s, oddHundred House Division."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00000330000350/1860082018600425/006021/0003 Birmingham Daily Post 0004 Worcestershire Chronicle - Monday 20 August Wednesday 25 April 1860, on the British Newspaper Archive]</ref>

*1860 "MAGISTRATES COURTBROSELEY - CLEVER CAPTURE.-Some few weeks back, John Fewtrill was convicted at the Petty Session, TUESDAY:- Charge for having been trespassing in pursuit of game upon the land of Stealing Eight Sovereigns : James BradshawLord Forester, he was sentenced to fine or a imprisonment. The fine not having been paid, he made himself scarce for a decent looking mantime. Lately, who said he came from Manchester last weekhas returned, and was engaged upon found safer employment on the Severn Valley Railway. A warrant had been issued for his apprehension, and placed in the hand of that active police constable, Jones. This latter made his apearance at the cutting at which his quarry was charged employed, in the character of a mere spectator. While thus engaged, Fewtrill, perhaps thinking that the presence of the officer boded no good to him, bolted towards the river, apparently with stealing eight sovereignsthe intention or placing the river between him and his pursuer. On reaching the bank he changed his purpose, and ran at a rattling pace down the towing-path, tumbling rather than jumping over the gate ; but no good evidence being adduced 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 quarry, the handcuffs were soon put In requisition, and he was dischargedmarched off to Broseley. Later in the evening the fine and costs were paid—some 20s, odd."<ref>[https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/00014670000033/1860090518600820/051006/0004 Eddowes's Journal, and General Advertiser for Shropshire0003 Birmingham Daily Post - Monday 20 August 1860, and on the Principality of Wales - Wednesday 05 September 1860British 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> *1860 "BRIDGNORTH - COUNTY SESSIONS A working man on the Severn Valley Railway was charged with stealing timber, the property of his employers, on the evening of Friday last. He was committed to Shrewsbury gaol for seven days."<ref>[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>