Overview of the Songs and Poems in this Category:

Awaiting analysis

Main Themes and Motifs

- Dangers resulting from long hours worked by signalmen
- Signalman as hero

Chronology

1840-49
1850-59
1860-69
1870-79
1880-89 178; 465
1890-99 382
1900-09 654
1910-19
1920-29

Uncertain: 681

Historical Background

Charing Cross Signal Box c1890.

The complexity of the railways and the volume of traffic put great strain on the signalmen. (See Cabman's Railway Yarn) In 1889, the Main A signal box at Waterloo comprised 209 levers. It was worked by 3 shifts each of 10 men.  A lever had to be pulled about every 15 seconds.

Signalman - along with the drivers - were widely regarded as heroes. When the long-hours dispute was raging in the 1880s - much of the public - even middle and upper classes were on their side.