Book: The Railway Navvies by Terry Coleman

[Peter Walker]

Somebody gave me an ex-library copy of this paperback, which he'd picked up for 20p when it was sol off [some people are so generous!]. It was published by Penguin, date not known (pages ripped out), and describes the life and work of navvies building the railways. Much of the material and illustrations are about the London and Birmingham Railway. Some parts are quite gripping, as the writer looks at the navvies as people, not machines. Well worth 20p, especially as I didn't pay it.
Peter

 

[Rod]

Date

Terry ColemanThe Railway NavviesPenguin1981

 

[Ray Barrett]

Having seen the recent episode of CRANFORD,it it was interesting to note,the landowner versus railways,must have happened a lot.Not far from where I live is the village of Dunchurch,and that was scheduled to be a railway town.However, the local big wig and landowner,Lord Montegue objected to them crossing his land,but, the railway "navvies" just ignored his wishes,and carried on.Now, here is the Brummy connection.Lord Montegue,hired 100 toughies from the back streets of Birmingham,to put a stop to the railways little game.After a pitched battle between Railway navvies and Brummy hard cases,the railways had a change of heart and re-routed through Rugby.Thus,some fun loving Brummies helped to create,the large railway town of Rugby,and all it's associated industry.Dunchurch is still a rural village.

 

[Astoness]

morning ray...and seasons greeting to you....thats a very interesting story...not a lot of people know that lol....

lyn

 

[Ray Barrett]

G'morning Lyn,
You must be my only fan bab...no one else seems to have read it.
It's all part of who we are,innit?
Well,I have cut me finger...so,I can't do any washing up over xmas...just supervise.


Have a nice xmas...and I wish you all you wish yourselves for the new year.
Ray...