History: A Navvy’s poem

THE NAVVIES first came to Saddleworth with the building of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at the turn of the nineteenth century; it was from digging these ‘navigations’ that the term navvy originated.

They were in later years involved in a number of engineering works in the area including the building of the Huddersfield and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1849.

Although the work of constructing these large engineering works involved many skills and trades from digger and carpenter to stonemason and engineer, it was the ‘navvy’ who was synonymous with them. He was the person who would move great amounts of earth, largely by pick and shovel.

It was the growth of neighbouring Oldham town that prompted the building of a number of reservoirs in Saddleworth. In the late 1880s the construction of two reservoirs in the Castleshaw Valley changed the landscape in that valley for ever.

By the time these reservoirs were constructed mechanical means were taking over the work of the traditional navvy but despite the fact at least one large steam excavator was employed the construction of these reservoirs were to see the last use of the true ‘navvy man’.

The ‘navvy’ was to put fear in the local people as they had a reputation for hard work and hard drinking with the inevitable fight. Although there had been some local opposition to the building of the reservoirs they were also viewed as a positive contribution, providing trade and employment.

With upwards of 400 men being employed there was concern among the local community for both the physical and religious welfare of these people.

In July 1887 a Sunday service was held of a non sectarian character organized by the non-conformists of Delph and Wrigley Mill. Later in the year a free tea was held in the Wesleyan School, Delph, for 400 which included not only the navvies but their women and children too.

The success of the local mission prompted Oldham Council to fit out a room in Waters Mill and one in Johnny Mill, both made redundant by the construction of the reservoirs. Johnny Mill became the main mission and the achievements of the navvies were presented in a ‘Great Exhibition’ at the mill in February 1889.

The exhibition in many ways proved the ‘navvy’ wasn’t to be feared as much as had been thought. Amongst its many displays was included a clock made in 2346 pieces, without either nails or glue with all the work done with a common pocket knife and valued at £8.

There was a prize awarded for the best rhyme about the exhibition which was awarded to Charles Gledhill for his 14 verses, the first four of which are shown below:-

The Great Exhibition

Not far from Delph Station, Oldham Corporation,
Some new waterworks are now making;
They wish to make sure of water quite pure,
Therefore ‘tis a good undertaking.

Castleshaw is its name; it has for its fame,
A stream through it constantly flowing,
Then let us him praise who doth lengthen our days,
By such a great blessing bestowing.

There are on it employed, which cannot be denied
Some men with with great muscular power;
They work very hard, some work by the yard,
And others are paid by the hour.

Another good thing to your notice I bring;
In connection with our own Navvy Mission,-
Which is at Johnny Mill – by the workpeople’s skill,
We’ve got up a grand Exhibition……