Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Transport > Stations
Navvies at the North-Western Railway Terminus, Euston-Square, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Navvies at the North-Western Railway Terminus, Euston-Square, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Navvies at the North-Western Railway Terminus, Euston-Square, 1854. Manual labourers leaving London for the seat of war in the Crimea....there are instances of men who have risen from the pick and wheelbarrow to be contractors, have banking accounts, and dine with Peers...as a general rule, a well-built frame and strong lungs, breadth across the chest, back, and loins, rather than excessive height, are the characteristics of the genuine Navvy...They have the faults of all uneducated men in this beer-drinking country, who work hard and earn heavy wages...But they have also many virtues. They are hospitable and charitable, always ready to subscribe liberally to the support of those among them who are maimed or sick. Out of the large body of men engaged for the Crimea, more than two-thirds arranged...to transmit money to parents and other relatives'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36224517
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Civil Engineering Crimean War Engineering Euston Station Father Fatherhood Husband Labourer Labourers Leaving London England United Kingdom Navvies Navvy Parent Railway Station Railways Social Class Station Train Station Wife Wives Working Class Working Man Workman Workmen
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Welling
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Railway
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Stations
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Railways
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Wells
> Popular Themes
> Money
> Popular Themes
> Railway Posters
> Transportation
> Trains
Navvies at the North-Wastern Railway Terminus, Euston-Square, 1854
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful and evocative image capturing the departure of manual laborers, known as navvies, from London bound for the Crimean War. The photograph, created by an unknown artist, offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of these working-class men as they embarked on a journey that would take them far from their homes and families. The scene is set at the North-Western Railway Terminus in Euston-Square, with the railway station's grand architecture serving as a stark contrast to the rough and rugged appearance of the navvies. Dressed in their work clothes and carrying their belongings, the men are shown leaving London, their faces etched with determination and a sense of purpose. The image is a testament to the thousands of laborers who answered the call to serve their country in the war effort. Navvies were known for their physical strength and endurance, with a "well-built frame and strong lungs" being the desired characteristics for the job. However, they were also criticized for their vices, particularly their heavy drinking habits. The text accompanying the image from the "Illustrated London News" of 1854 notes that they had "faults of all uneducated men in this beer-drinking country," but also acknowledges their virtues. The navvies were known for their hospitality and charitableness, often contributing generously to the support of their sick or injured comrades. More than two-thirds of the men depicted in the image had made arrangements to send money back to their families, demonstrating their deep sense of responsibility and commitment to their loved ones. This image provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary men during times of war and the enduring strength and resilience of the working class.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
