Transport

Rail tracks and engine sheds in Brecon

Map of Brecon railway yard.
Colour added for clarity
Powys County Archives

Some of the practical business of maintaining and operating the railways was up to individuals such as Richard Roberts, a railway brakesman. They were involved in shunting operations - the movement of railway vehicles in sidings. Brakesmen were specifically employed to apply the brakes of goods wagons during shunting.

Charles Pearce was a steam raiser, otherwise known as a boiler filler. His job was to see that a fire had been lit in the boiler before the engine left the shed and that a proper head of steam had been attained.

In a similar way, coalmen were employed to load sufficient coal into the engine tender prior to the journey. John Powell's son was a clerk on the railway.

Three Cocks Junction, near Brecon
Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery

Trains also had to be cleaned after use and many people in Brecon were employed as cleaners both for the engines and the carriages.

Signalmen were also employed.

Finally, the platelayer was employed on maintaining the railway itself. These men usually worked in a gang and carried out any work necessary on the tracks. William Desley was living in a lodging house on The Struet. The husband of Margaret Harris was also a platelayer.

As well as William Desley, there were 13 other boarders at this address - one family with 5 children, two farm labourers, one mason's labourer, an iron moulder, a cotton weaver and a hawker.