What were the British navvies?

British navvies were laborers, primarily involved in the construction of extensive railway systems, canals, and roads during the 19th century. The term "navvy" is derived from "navigator," reflecting their work on navigable waterways. They were known for their hard work, often enduring harsh conditions while using basic tools and techniques. The contributions of navvies were crucial to the Industrial Revolution, significantly shaping Britain's infrastructure.