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Ready to start legging a canal boat, London, c1890 (1903)
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Ready to start legging a canal boat, London, c1890 (1903)
Ready to start legging a canal boat, London, c1890 (1903). Two leggers ready to move the canal boat through the tunnel, by propelling the boat with their feet against the tunnel wall. Horse-drawn canal boats required leggers to continue their journey through tunnels, whilst the horse moved on above. From Living London, Vol. II, by George R. Sims. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1903]
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Media ID 14971862
© The Print Collector
Barge Canal Effort George R Sims George Robert George Robert Sims George Sims Hard Work Moving Sims Tunnel Legger Legging
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a unique moment in London's transportation history. Taken around 1890, it showcases the arduous task of legging a canal boat through a tunnel. Two determined leggers are seen ready to propel the boat forward by using their feet against the tunnel wall. During this era, horse-drawn canal boats were an essential mode of transport, but they faced a challenge when navigating tunnels. While horses continued their journey above ground, leggers took over below to ensure smooth passage through these confined spaces. This image perfectly encapsulates the effort and hard work required to keep goods flowing along London's waterways. The Victorian setting adds an air of nostalgia as we witness these men carrying out their duties with determination and strength. The composition highlights not only the physicality involved in moving these barges but also the teamwork between workers on board. Preserved in monochrome, this photograph offers us a glimpse into an era long gone yet still resonating with themes of perseverance and dedication to one's craft. It serves as a testament to the industrious spirit that shaped Britain during this period. Thanks to George R. Sims' remarkable documentation in Living London, Vol II (1903), we can appreciate this historical snapshot today and marvel at the ingenuity behind such labor-intensive methods of transportation.
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