Navvies 1883

[mark99]

[tree monkey]

20 minutes ago, mark99 said:

That's a fascinating picture, I am curious as to what's going on, I guess the white layer is puddling but if that's the case why is the excavation being deepend in the foreground, or have I completely miss read the picture.

[Jen-in-Wellies]

Also, any ideas where it is? Looks like a new build and the only part of the country where that might make sense in the 1880's is around Birmingham somewhere. Perhaps a branch to a new colliery? It is shallow, so not for deep drafted boats.

[tree monkey]

4 minutes ago, Jen-in-Wellies said:

Also, any ideas where it is? Looks like a new build and the only part of the country where that might make sense in the 1880's is around Birmingham somewhere. Perhaps a branch to a new colliery? It is shallow, so not for deep drafted boats.

It's very wide though

[Rob-M]

The nice Mr Google tells me it is the construction of the Cherwell Cut.  You will find the same picture on the bottom of this page https://thames.me.uk/s02430.htm.

[mark99]

Yes, it was tagged between Thames and thre Cherwell, Oxon.

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

4 hours ago, tree monkey said:

That's a fascinating picture, I am curious as to what's going on, I guess the white layer is puddling but if that's the case why is the excavation being deepend in the foreground, or have I completely miss read the picture.

it is fascinating,

love seeing how things were done,

what them two conical mounds for? on either side mid photo.

markers perhaps for depth, distance, or keeping a level?

 

[Tony Brooks]

As this is a river navigation cut, I suspect he while layer may be chalk to give a former base for punt poles etc.

[LEO]

Interesting picture, some detail (top left) which might help = railway line crossing, timbers suggest lock gates (wide lock style?)......

 

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