Railway Workers in Front of Locomotive (1890-1910) by North London RailwayNational Railway Museum
As the railways expanded and became an ever-present part of daily life, more people were needed to operate this remarkable feat of engineering.
There were numerous roles available to men on the railways, from signalmen to foremen, drivers to cleaners.
Unlike most other industrial jobs of the period, the railways offered opportunity for advancement.
It was possible to enter the industry as a general hand in an engine shed and rise through the ranks to become a driver.
The Great Northern Railway Sick and Funeral Allowance Fund The Great Northern Railway Sick and Funeral Allowance Fund (1894) by Great Northern RailwayNational Railway Museum
Railway jobs also offered a level of security not typically available to the working class. Sick and funeral funds were established to support workers and their families in the event of injury or death while on duty.
There was even some protection for workers aging out of their roles.
For instance, if a driver's eyesight began to fail and they could no longer operate locomotives safely, they might be reassigned to a lower-ranking role.
Though the loss of status and pay could be difficult, the security of any kind of continued employment would have been reassuring.
Railway companies also took an interest in workers' lives outside of their jobs.
Many provided cottages for their employees and encouraged the formation of clubs and leisure societies to support social wellbeing.
However, there was a darker side to this paternalism.
Railway companies were strict, fining workers for infractions. The writing here explains that Mr. Veazey and Mr. Howe were reported for leaving their horses and wagons unattended for over two hours while at the public house, risking both lives and company property.
Many of the benefits offered were also used to discourage unionisation.
Encouraging leisure activities helped shift focus away from poor working conditions.
London & North Western Railway Strike Certificate (1911) by London & North Western RailwayNational Railway Museum
And if a worker lived in company-provided housing, the threat of eviction became a powerful deterrent against striking.
Manufacture of Wagon Components (1910) by UnknownNational Railway Museum
The railway was also a male dominated industry.
Women Workers at Victoria Station Telegraph Office (1911) by UnknownNational Railway Museum
There are early accounts of women working on the railways, some took over as crossing guards after the death of a husband, but broader inclusion did not come until World War I, when women were called upon to take on a wider range of roles.
Even then, the railways remained a male-dominated space well into the 20th century. It wasn’t until the latter half of the century that women, such as Karen Harrison, began breaking barriers by becoming train drivers.
Wagon Components being Manufactured (1910-1957) by UnknownNational Railway Museum
In many ways, railway work offered one of the best career prospects available to working-class men in the 19th century. However, railway work was difficult, dirty and dangerous.
Forge Workers at Shildon Works (1910-1957) by UnknownNational Railway Museum
Still, a deep sense of pride often accompanied the work. The railways fostered the creation of a close knit community of skilled and well educated working class men.
The railway industry was far from perfect. But for many, it offered a level of stability, respectability, and quality of life that was otherwise out of reach for most Victorian working-class families.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.