Railway Staff at Box Alan Payne May 2017
Box Station and GWR employees, date unknown (photograph courtesy Eric Callaway)
Great Western Railway (the Company) recorded immaculate details about its staff, from the most junior to the highest. In some senses it was because it was controlled by Parliament but there was also a corporate culture which recognised its public duty. The records list dates of birth, ranks and accidents. The Company was keen on promoting from within and many lads started as porters or engine cleaners in Box aged 17 years who worked their way up through the ranks to end as enginemen (drivers) first class or, in a few cases, to end as station master. Most people left Box Station to further their career often going to Swindon where there were more opportunities.
Many were "Commended in 1911". This does not refer to an award for bravery or the like; rather that they were approved under the National Insurance of that year. Below we record some of the staff who worked in Box Station. If they were your relatives, we would love to hear more about them and to carry photos of any of the people.
Many were "Commended in 1911". This does not refer to an award for bravery or the like; rather that they were approved under the National Insurance of that year. Below we record some of the staff who worked in Box Station. If they were your relatives, we would love to hear more about them and to carry photos of any of the people.
Box Station Employees
Box Station regularly employed nine or ten people, as well as many who came from nearby stations on an irregular basis as needed. Even as early as 1843, the staffing requirement comprised stationmaster, booking parcels clerk, 4 switchmen (points operators), passenger porter and two policemen for the Shockerwick crossing.[1]
Others who came and went included shunter-drivers, plate layers, signalmen, crane operators and track maintenance workers. Before 1900 most of the traffic off the permanent way was by horse and sub-contract workers included draymen, grooms, blacksmiths and farriers.
For many employees the Company was a model employer, offering jobs for life, skilled, highly paid prospects and the chance of promotion. In 1863 the Box Stationmaster, Henry Light, was summonsed for non-payment of support to an illegitimate child by Eliza Day.[2] The Company's reputation served him well and the case was dismissed for insufficient evidence.
Box Station regularly employed nine or ten people, as well as many who came from nearby stations on an irregular basis as needed. Even as early as 1843, the staffing requirement comprised stationmaster, booking parcels clerk, 4 switchmen (points operators), passenger porter and two policemen for the Shockerwick crossing.[1]
Others who came and went included shunter-drivers, plate layers, signalmen, crane operators and track maintenance workers. Before 1900 most of the traffic off the permanent way was by horse and sub-contract workers included draymen, grooms, blacksmiths and farriers.
For many employees the Company was a model employer, offering jobs for life, skilled, highly paid prospects and the chance of promotion. In 1863 the Box Stationmaster, Henry Light, was summonsed for non-payment of support to an illegitimate child by Eliza Day.[2] The Company's reputation served him well and the case was dismissed for insufficient evidence.
A mixture of GWR employees and stoneyard workers (courtesy Winston Lee)
Although the work was dangerous, GWR were an enlightened employer for the time introducing a Railway Benevolent Institution
in 1858 to care for widows, orphans and injured officials, open to employees who wished to subscribe and subsidised by the Company. GWR often provided perks such as accommodation in the railway towns like Swindon, grants to local churches and support of education for children and adults through mechanics institutes.[3] There were only ten strikes of employees on the whole service in the first forty years, none on GWR. In the years 1865-67 there were seven petitions, mostly local and by individual grades of employees of the Company, usually requesting increased wages.
in 1858 to care for widows, orphans and injured officials, open to employees who wished to subscribe and subsidised by the Company. GWR often provided perks such as accommodation in the railway towns like Swindon, grants to local churches and support of education for children and adults through mechanics institutes.[3] There were only ten strikes of employees on the whole service in the first forty years, none on GWR. In the years 1865-67 there were seven petitions, mostly local and by individual grades of employees of the Company, usually requesting increased wages.
Lives of Box Railway Employees
We can build up considerable information about society in general and what it was like to work for the Company from the staff records of people who worked at Box Station based on information about accidents, census records, uniform issued, and resignations. The information is varied and the biographies mostly come from the Registers of Drivers and Firemen.[4]
We can build up considerable information about society in general and what it was like to work for the Company from the staff records of people who worked at Box Station based on information about accidents, census records, uniform issued, and resignations. The information is varied and the biographies mostly come from the Registers of Drivers and Firemen.[4]
George Archer (b 1873)
From Kingsdown, railway labourer who served in World War 1.
Thomas Barnett (b 1833)
Living with his wife and children at Box Quarries, Thomas was a Railway Manager (Porter) in 1881.
Elijah Blake (1846 - 1910)
Elijah had a varied service with GWR beginning as labourer and striker aged 18 in May 1864. He was promoted to a Goods Fireman working in Box Station the following year, then moving around extensively to Swindon, Weymouth, Paddington, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton and Barnstaple, although he was still mentioned as working in Box Station in 1900.
He became a first-class engineman (driver) in July 1889 and resigned on 26 May 1906 claiming the Director' supplemental pension and being paid £40 in consequence of old age. In an effort to maintain standards the Company fined and censored him eleven times for misdemeanours including Moving out of a siding before the points were right and thereby causing the engine to be thrown off the line and occasional late arrive at train. The Company recorded his death of diabetes, gangrene on 13 August 1910.
Samuel James Bricker (b 24 March 1882)
Samuel joined the service in 1902-03 as a lad porter. He was found to have misbehaved in April 1910 when he Failed to observe the standard instructions relative to servants jumping on the footboards or running alongside trains entering into stations whereby he came into violent contact with another porter.
Allen Bullock (b 14 June 1864)
Allen joined GWR as a policeman in February 1884. Two years later he was promoted to be a signalman in Bristol and later as relief signalman in Box. He was given a pay rise as befitted his higher responsibilities but twice caused trains to leave the track by incorrect signalling. He resigned in February 1901.
Cannings Family
The Cannings family were well known local railwaymen and four sons worked for GWR: Samuel, Arthur, Fred and Ernest.[5]
Arthur James Cannings (b 1 June 1899)
Arthur joined in September 1915, aged 16 years, as an engine cleaner at Box Station and was quickly promoted to the rank of fireman two years later. After spells in Bristol and Bath he was promoted to driver in March 1937. In July 1929 he was commended for his action at Bathampton level crossing when Being well on the alert and promptly assisting to bring train to a stand upon noticing a motor car fouling the line upon which he was running. Cannings' prompt action no doubt averted a very serious mishap. He was still working in 1955 when he was passed fit for work.
From Kingsdown, railway labourer who served in World War 1.
Thomas Barnett (b 1833)
Living with his wife and children at Box Quarries, Thomas was a Railway Manager (Porter) in 1881.
Elijah Blake (1846 - 1910)
Elijah had a varied service with GWR beginning as labourer and striker aged 18 in May 1864. He was promoted to a Goods Fireman working in Box Station the following year, then moving around extensively to Swindon, Weymouth, Paddington, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton and Barnstaple, although he was still mentioned as working in Box Station in 1900.
He became a first-class engineman (driver) in July 1889 and resigned on 26 May 1906 claiming the Director' supplemental pension and being paid £40 in consequence of old age. In an effort to maintain standards the Company fined and censored him eleven times for misdemeanours including Moving out of a siding before the points were right and thereby causing the engine to be thrown off the line and occasional late arrive at train. The Company recorded his death of diabetes, gangrene on 13 August 1910.
Samuel James Bricker (b 24 March 1882)
Samuel joined the service in 1902-03 as a lad porter. He was found to have misbehaved in April 1910 when he Failed to observe the standard instructions relative to servants jumping on the footboards or running alongside trains entering into stations whereby he came into violent contact with another porter.
Allen Bullock (b 14 June 1864)
Allen joined GWR as a policeman in February 1884. Two years later he was promoted to be a signalman in Bristol and later as relief signalman in Box. He was given a pay rise as befitted his higher responsibilities but twice caused trains to leave the track by incorrect signalling. He resigned in February 1901.
Cannings Family
The Cannings family were well known local railwaymen and four sons worked for GWR: Samuel, Arthur, Fred and Ernest.[5]
Arthur James Cannings (b 1 June 1899)
Arthur joined in September 1915, aged 16 years, as an engine cleaner at Box Station and was quickly promoted to the rank of fireman two years later. After spells in Bristol and Bath he was promoted to driver in March 1937. In July 1929 he was commended for his action at Bathampton level crossing when Being well on the alert and promptly assisting to bring train to a stand upon noticing a motor car fouling the line upon which he was running. Cannings' prompt action no doubt averted a very serious mishap. He was still working in 1955 when he was passed fit for work.
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Samuel Cannings (b 7 October 1895)
Samuel served in the First World War and in the Second World War he was a railway inspector at Thingley Junction. He narrowly escaped death when a German reconnaissance plane attacked the station shooting at munitions trucks. He ended his career as Chief Traffic Inspector at Bath Spa railway station. JS added from Cornwall I have radar for stories of Box ! I was in a pub here in Cornwall when the magic words Box Tunnel jumped out from the general babble. The speaker told me that back in the day his grandfather had rescued a man who had been injured on the railway line at Box. I wondered if the casualty had been a local maintenance man, but no, this unfortunate was a passenger who had fallen from the train… and the rescuer on this occasion was Mr Samuel Cannings from Pye Corner ! Many Canning brothers were railwaymen: Fred a signalman at Box Station and Ernest a yard foreman at Birmingham. Left: Samuel Cannings shown on left in service during World War 1 (courtesy Janice Cannings). |
Moses William Clements (b 4 July 1852)
Moses had a conventional railway employment. He joined GWR as an engine cleaner at Box in May 1869 and was promoted up the ranks as temporary fireman, goods fireman, passenger fireman, engine turner, then engineman (driver), third, second and eventually first class, before retiring due to failing health in October 1915, dying in February 1934. He was cautioned eight times as a driver for offenses varying between not reducing speed of train when passing over bridge under repair, running through station in excess of the regulation speed (suspended one day, stopping a passenger train in error (premium deferred four weeks - his supervisor's appeal against the punishment not allowed).
Wilf Clothier remembered by Anna Grayson
Wilf Clothier was the station master in 1947 and they had a porter at Box Station also. People often had to get a taxi from the village to get there. Of course these were the days of steam trains that used to run through Box.
Frederick Amos Conway (b 22 Apr 1879)
Joined GWR at Box as an engine cleaner in 1896 who was promoted to the role of shunter and fireman a year later, rising to the rank of engineman third class. He was cautioned for damaging a coal scoop in 1905 (although it seems difficult not to do so).
He suffered ash in his eye in 1916, although regular eye tests said his eyesight was normal. He was superannuated in 1930 and was awarded a special allowance of 2s per week in July 1932.
Cogswell Family
Please see separate article Mark Cogswell Railway Policeman.
James Cook (b 1870)
Railway Fireman who lived at Ashley in 1891.
George Cousins (b 1870)
Railway Porter who lived at Henley Farm in 1891.
Crooke and Coker
Of course, the railway started as a highly dangerous industry, trying to deal with issues as they arose and with firm management of the staff they employed. The Directors reported on a case of serious misconduct in August 1843 when the banker engine went out of control: Crooke the Engine Driver and Coker the fireman of the Bank Engine at Box were called in and examined on a charge of having been asleep while on duty - and then passing out of the siding at full speed after the Goods train had gone on, and overtaking it where it had stopped at the bottom of the incline, running into it with considerable violence and damaging several trucks. Offence was clearly proved and fact of being asleep admitted by both - dismissed.[6]
Henry Drinkwater (b 1855)
Engine driver who lived at The Laurels, Middlehill, in 1891.
LF Edwards
Mr Edwards began his service at Box in 1915 getting experience of passenger, parcels and goods work before transfer to the Bristol divisional superintendant's office and finishing as chief clerk at Chester.[7] Possibly he was related to Charles Edwards who was a Railway Pointsmen then Signalman living at Middlehill in 1871 and 1881.
William Fisher (b 1828)
William was the son of Mary Fisher, widow, in receipt of parish relief in 1881. William was an Engine Driver, married and living with his mother at Mead Cottages.
Charles Herbert Gadd (1873 - 1932)
The railway companies were model employers in the way they looked after their employees' health. Regular eye tests and other medical assessments were part of standard procedures, even though they were not as reliable as might be expected. Charles Gadd applied to be promoted from engine cleaner to fireman in September 1891 but was rejected on account of valvular disease of the heart. Retested a week later there was no evidence of a problem which was accounted for by being on duty 24 hours before the first medical. In 1908 he failed to pass tests as an Inspector and was restricted exclusively to shunting work. He later passed the tests. His career was blighted by several falls and he applied for lighter duties in 1921 but continued to work for the Company until his death in 1932.
Arthur Gibbons (b 21 Sep 1893) and Charles Gibbons (b 10 Oct 1897)
Arthur Gibbons joined service as an engine cleaner in Box in 1911. He was promoted to Goods Fireman Third Class but had to resign in 1915 as the work was not suitable for his health. This appears to have improved and he was reinstated as a fireman in 1919. Arthur was promoted to the role of driver in 1929, transferring to Chippenham in 1932 until he resigned in 1948. Unusually there is nothing recorded for accidents, cautions or reprimands issued to him.
His brother Charles Gibbons started in the same way as an engine cleaner at Box in June 1914 but was conscripted for military duty the following year, returning to his job in 1919. He applied to move to Chippenham in 1936 and was still working in 1951.
Joseph Gingell (b 1865)
In 1881 Joseph had one of the worst jobs on the railway employed as a Railway Engine Cleaner, whilst living at Ashley.
Frederick William Augustus Hallett (b 12 Aug 1868)
Frederick joined as a Passenger clerk in 1882, later serving in Chippenham and Stapleton Road before being appointed as Station Master at Castle Carey in 1903 and Bewdley in 1910. He was away ill for a month in 1893 and received no salary but he was always in the Company's good books and was awarded £100 from the GWR Fund in 1882 and owed his duty to GWR for this opportunity.
Packer Harding
The Company recorded every accident and tried to learn causes from them. This meant every bruised hand as well as fatalities. Sometimes the accidents were farcical and possibly were written partly in jest, such as that which occurred to Mr Harding in 1911 - Dropped on sleeper - bruised testicles.
Harry Hares (b 1852)
Railway signalman who lived at Middlehill in 1891.
Frederick John Hulbert (b 1870)
In 1891 he was working as a Railway Labourer whilst living with his parents at Quarry Hill. By 1911 he was employed as Railway Company ganger, living at Henly Cottages with wife Frances Alice Salter (b 1865).
William Hunt (b 1870)
Railway stoker who lived at Middlehill in 1891.
Thomas Keeling (7 Sep 1846)
Thomas was one of the earliest recorded workers. He joined as a lad porter in 1861, aged 15 years but resigned after five years before rejoining as an engine cleaner in May 1866. He worked his way up by moving throughout the Company's routes from Box, Swindon, Newport, Paddington rising to the rank of driver first class in the busy duty of turning the engines around in the London terminus. After 40 years of service he retired in 1906 and claimed the Director's supplemental pension 8s.3d per week. He enjoyed his retirement until his death on 17 May 1927.
But he wasn't always a model employee as his record shows: Suspended three days Dec 1872 general bad conduct, passing advance starting signal April 1890 and Declined promotion with removal to Trowbridge, allowed to remain at Paddington on condition he foregoes all claim to future promotion or advance in wages. Even worse was a report in December 1902: On duty under the influence of drink at Aldgate, London. Reduced to the rank of permanent shunting engineman. To be called upon to retire on attaining the age of 60 years. It was a tough job and attracting strong characters amongst the GWR staff.
Edward Lambert
Please see articles In Memoriam and Never Forgotten
Mr Light, Station Master
In September 1868, Mr Light deposited £50.13s.7d in the booking office of Box Station. In his absence, a porter was left in charge but the money was stolen. Mr Light was instructed to pay £5 towards the loss. He may have connived at the theft, however, because he was involved in another case when in 1873 he was investigated about a fraud of £495.12s.3d.[8]
Walter Long (b 1844)
Railway Porter who lived at Station Cottage in both 1881 and 1891.
Walter Owen (b 1860)
Railway Platelayer who lived in the Market Place in 1891.
A Phillips (b 1856)
Engine driver who lived at Ashley in 1891.
Elijah Porter (b 1839)
In 1881 Elijah was a Night Watchman (presumably for Box Tunnel) who lived at Townsend.
William Pound (b 19 August 1883)
William was a person who started as a lad porter in Box and ended up as a station master, in his case at Portislade. His rise was quite meteoric from his appointment in 1899, aged 16, through to his position as station master in 1913.
William Scott (b 1 July 1833)
One of the earliest Box engine drivers that I have found was William Scott, who joined the Company as a fireman in Box in 1856, promoted to engine turner in 1863 and driver a year later. He worked until 1898 when ill-health forced his resignation. In 1890 his service record was marked in red ink that he was commended by the Directors for his vigilance in observing a danger hand signal and pulling passenger train up short of obstruction on line. He died in 1915.
James Smith (b 1836)
In 1911 James Smith, railway pensioner, lived at 4 Prospect Cottages.
Wilf Talbot
In the early 1960s Wilf was the stationmaster for Box, Box Mill Lane Halt and Bathampton Stations. By then there were only a few staff at Box, including a junior clerk, porter, signalman and another porter at Mill Lane.[9]
Edgar Charles Teague (b 1851)
He was the Box Station Master who lived at Ashley Villas with his family in 1881.
Albert Titcombe (b 1857)
Albert was a Railway Fireman who lived at Alcombe in 1881.
George Redvers Harold Toy (b 30 Apr 1901)
Harold Toy was one of the few people who started in Box as an engine cleaner and asked to return to the village after his promotion to driver. Twice he was recorded as securing a merit certificate for signalling examinations, being awarded 403 out of 500 and later 430 marks. He was still working in 1956. He was possibly a descendant of John Toy (b 1858), Station Master born in Wolverhampton, who lived at The Laurels, Middlehill, in 1891.
Frederick William Tucker (b 1891)
Mr Tucker was station master 3rd class at Box Station in the inter-war years, paid £130 per annum.
Henry Wallis (b 1854)
Henry was a Railway Policeman living at Ashley in 1881 together with Henry Wilcox Riddle (Railway Porter) and Charles Henry Hopkins (Railway Fireman).
John West (b 1857)
Railway Carman responsible for maintaining the freight cars who lived at Kingsdown in 1891.
Moses had a conventional railway employment. He joined GWR as an engine cleaner at Box in May 1869 and was promoted up the ranks as temporary fireman, goods fireman, passenger fireman, engine turner, then engineman (driver), third, second and eventually first class, before retiring due to failing health in October 1915, dying in February 1934. He was cautioned eight times as a driver for offenses varying between not reducing speed of train when passing over bridge under repair, running through station in excess of the regulation speed (suspended one day, stopping a passenger train in error (premium deferred four weeks - his supervisor's appeal against the punishment not allowed).
Wilf Clothier remembered by Anna Grayson
Wilf Clothier was the station master in 1947 and they had a porter at Box Station also. People often had to get a taxi from the village to get there. Of course these were the days of steam trains that used to run through Box.
Frederick Amos Conway (b 22 Apr 1879)
Joined GWR at Box as an engine cleaner in 1896 who was promoted to the role of shunter and fireman a year later, rising to the rank of engineman third class. He was cautioned for damaging a coal scoop in 1905 (although it seems difficult not to do so).
He suffered ash in his eye in 1916, although regular eye tests said his eyesight was normal. He was superannuated in 1930 and was awarded a special allowance of 2s per week in July 1932.
Cogswell Family
Please see separate article Mark Cogswell Railway Policeman.
James Cook (b 1870)
Railway Fireman who lived at Ashley in 1891.
George Cousins (b 1870)
Railway Porter who lived at Henley Farm in 1891.
Crooke and Coker
Of course, the railway started as a highly dangerous industry, trying to deal with issues as they arose and with firm management of the staff they employed. The Directors reported on a case of serious misconduct in August 1843 when the banker engine went out of control: Crooke the Engine Driver and Coker the fireman of the Bank Engine at Box were called in and examined on a charge of having been asleep while on duty - and then passing out of the siding at full speed after the Goods train had gone on, and overtaking it where it had stopped at the bottom of the incline, running into it with considerable violence and damaging several trucks. Offence was clearly proved and fact of being asleep admitted by both - dismissed.[6]
Henry Drinkwater (b 1855)
Engine driver who lived at The Laurels, Middlehill, in 1891.
LF Edwards
Mr Edwards began his service at Box in 1915 getting experience of passenger, parcels and goods work before transfer to the Bristol divisional superintendant's office and finishing as chief clerk at Chester.[7] Possibly he was related to Charles Edwards who was a Railway Pointsmen then Signalman living at Middlehill in 1871 and 1881.
William Fisher (b 1828)
William was the son of Mary Fisher, widow, in receipt of parish relief in 1881. William was an Engine Driver, married and living with his mother at Mead Cottages.
Charles Herbert Gadd (1873 - 1932)
The railway companies were model employers in the way they looked after their employees' health. Regular eye tests and other medical assessments were part of standard procedures, even though they were not as reliable as might be expected. Charles Gadd applied to be promoted from engine cleaner to fireman in September 1891 but was rejected on account of valvular disease of the heart. Retested a week later there was no evidence of a problem which was accounted for by being on duty 24 hours before the first medical. In 1908 he failed to pass tests as an Inspector and was restricted exclusively to shunting work. He later passed the tests. His career was blighted by several falls and he applied for lighter duties in 1921 but continued to work for the Company until his death in 1932.
Arthur Gibbons (b 21 Sep 1893) and Charles Gibbons (b 10 Oct 1897)
Arthur Gibbons joined service as an engine cleaner in Box in 1911. He was promoted to Goods Fireman Third Class but had to resign in 1915 as the work was not suitable for his health. This appears to have improved and he was reinstated as a fireman in 1919. Arthur was promoted to the role of driver in 1929, transferring to Chippenham in 1932 until he resigned in 1948. Unusually there is nothing recorded for accidents, cautions or reprimands issued to him.
His brother Charles Gibbons started in the same way as an engine cleaner at Box in June 1914 but was conscripted for military duty the following year, returning to his job in 1919. He applied to move to Chippenham in 1936 and was still working in 1951.
Joseph Gingell (b 1865)
In 1881 Joseph had one of the worst jobs on the railway employed as a Railway Engine Cleaner, whilst living at Ashley.
Frederick William Augustus Hallett (b 12 Aug 1868)
Frederick joined as a Passenger clerk in 1882, later serving in Chippenham and Stapleton Road before being appointed as Station Master at Castle Carey in 1903 and Bewdley in 1910. He was away ill for a month in 1893 and received no salary but he was always in the Company's good books and was awarded £100 from the GWR Fund in 1882 and owed his duty to GWR for this opportunity.
Packer Harding
The Company recorded every accident and tried to learn causes from them. This meant every bruised hand as well as fatalities. Sometimes the accidents were farcical and possibly were written partly in jest, such as that which occurred to Mr Harding in 1911 - Dropped on sleeper - bruised testicles.
Harry Hares (b 1852)
Railway signalman who lived at Middlehill in 1891.
Frederick John Hulbert (b 1870)
In 1891 he was working as a Railway Labourer whilst living with his parents at Quarry Hill. By 1911 he was employed as Railway Company ganger, living at Henly Cottages with wife Frances Alice Salter (b 1865).
William Hunt (b 1870)
Railway stoker who lived at Middlehill in 1891.
Thomas Keeling (7 Sep 1846)
Thomas was one of the earliest recorded workers. He joined as a lad porter in 1861, aged 15 years but resigned after five years before rejoining as an engine cleaner in May 1866. He worked his way up by moving throughout the Company's routes from Box, Swindon, Newport, Paddington rising to the rank of driver first class in the busy duty of turning the engines around in the London terminus. After 40 years of service he retired in 1906 and claimed the Director's supplemental pension 8s.3d per week. He enjoyed his retirement until his death on 17 May 1927.
But he wasn't always a model employee as his record shows: Suspended three days Dec 1872 general bad conduct, passing advance starting signal April 1890 and Declined promotion with removal to Trowbridge, allowed to remain at Paddington on condition he foregoes all claim to future promotion or advance in wages. Even worse was a report in December 1902: On duty under the influence of drink at Aldgate, London. Reduced to the rank of permanent shunting engineman. To be called upon to retire on attaining the age of 60 years. It was a tough job and attracting strong characters amongst the GWR staff.
Edward Lambert
Please see articles In Memoriam and Never Forgotten
Mr Light, Station Master
In September 1868, Mr Light deposited £50.13s.7d in the booking office of Box Station. In his absence, a porter was left in charge but the money was stolen. Mr Light was instructed to pay £5 towards the loss. He may have connived at the theft, however, because he was involved in another case when in 1873 he was investigated about a fraud of £495.12s.3d.[8]
Walter Long (b 1844)
Railway Porter who lived at Station Cottage in both 1881 and 1891.
Walter Owen (b 1860)
Railway Platelayer who lived in the Market Place in 1891.
A Phillips (b 1856)
Engine driver who lived at Ashley in 1891.
Elijah Porter (b 1839)
In 1881 Elijah was a Night Watchman (presumably for Box Tunnel) who lived at Townsend.
William Pound (b 19 August 1883)
William was a person who started as a lad porter in Box and ended up as a station master, in his case at Portislade. His rise was quite meteoric from his appointment in 1899, aged 16, through to his position as station master in 1913.
William Scott (b 1 July 1833)
One of the earliest Box engine drivers that I have found was William Scott, who joined the Company as a fireman in Box in 1856, promoted to engine turner in 1863 and driver a year later. He worked until 1898 when ill-health forced his resignation. In 1890 his service record was marked in red ink that he was commended by the Directors for his vigilance in observing a danger hand signal and pulling passenger train up short of obstruction on line. He died in 1915.
James Smith (b 1836)
In 1911 James Smith, railway pensioner, lived at 4 Prospect Cottages.
Wilf Talbot
In the early 1960s Wilf was the stationmaster for Box, Box Mill Lane Halt and Bathampton Stations. By then there were only a few staff at Box, including a junior clerk, porter, signalman and another porter at Mill Lane.[9]
Edgar Charles Teague (b 1851)
He was the Box Station Master who lived at Ashley Villas with his family in 1881.
Albert Titcombe (b 1857)
Albert was a Railway Fireman who lived at Alcombe in 1881.
George Redvers Harold Toy (b 30 Apr 1901)
Harold Toy was one of the few people who started in Box as an engine cleaner and asked to return to the village after his promotion to driver. Twice he was recorded as securing a merit certificate for signalling examinations, being awarded 403 out of 500 and later 430 marks. He was still working in 1956. He was possibly a descendant of John Toy (b 1858), Station Master born in Wolverhampton, who lived at The Laurels, Middlehill, in 1891.
Frederick William Tucker (b 1891)
Mr Tucker was station master 3rd class at Box Station in the inter-war years, paid £130 per annum.
Henry Wallis (b 1854)
Henry was a Railway Policeman living at Ashley in 1881 together with Henry Wilcox Riddle (Railway Porter) and Charles Henry Hopkins (Railway Fireman).
John West (b 1857)
Railway Carman responsible for maintaining the freight cars who lived at Kingsdown in 1891.
More Railwaymen
Hundreds of Box parish people worked for the railways during its history. Many more people are listed in the record below.
Hundreds of Box parish people worked for the railways during its history. Many more people are listed in the record below.
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We apologise if we have missed out your ancestors from the list of GWR workers and we welcome the opportunity to record their details in this article. Please contact us at [email protected] to provide details and photos where possible.
References
[1] Colin G Maggs, The GWR Swindon to Bath Line, 2003, Sutton Publishing Ltd, p.80
[2] The Bath Chronicle, 29 January 1863
[3] PW Kingsford, Working for GWR, Railways Vol II Edited by Geoffrey Channon, The Journey of Transport History, 1996,
Scholar Press, p.52-59
[4] This research is indebted to work by Dr David Turner based on Ancestry: http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1728&bm=u
If you are interested in finding out more see Dr David Turner's amazing websites:
http://turniprail.blogspot.co.uk/ and https://davidturnerrailway.wordpress.com/
[5] See Cannings Family
[6] Quoted in John Froud, Box Station, Special GWR Edition No 2, p.137
[7] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 15 July 1939
[8] John Froud, Box Station, Special GWR Edition No 2, p.140
[9] Colin G Maggs, The GWR Swindon to Bath Line, p.165-66
[1] Colin G Maggs, The GWR Swindon to Bath Line, 2003, Sutton Publishing Ltd, p.80
[2] The Bath Chronicle, 29 January 1863
[3] PW Kingsford, Working for GWR, Railways Vol II Edited by Geoffrey Channon, The Journey of Transport History, 1996,
Scholar Press, p.52-59
[4] This research is indebted to work by Dr David Turner based on Ancestry: http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1728&bm=u
If you are interested in finding out more see Dr David Turner's amazing websites:
http://turniprail.blogspot.co.uk/ and https://davidturnerrailway.wordpress.com/
[5] See Cannings Family
[6] Quoted in John Froud, Box Station, Special GWR Edition No 2, p.137
[7] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 15 July 1939
[8] John Froud, Box Station, Special GWR Edition No 2, p.140
[9] Colin G Maggs, The GWR Swindon to Bath Line, p.165-66