This is a holding page, shortly to be updated with the full life story of carriage cleaner Elsie Knapp. For now, an outline sketch is included. Please check back again soon.
Women worked on Britain’s railways from the earliest days – usually in roles seen as ‘appropriate.’ The First World War opened new opportunities and expanded some existing ones – including carriage cleaning.
Born in Newport in 1889, Elsie James married Henry Knapp in 1909. She joined the Isle of Wight Central Railway as a carriage cleaner during World War One. She was one of at least 11 women on the Island to join the railways at this time; they also joined the National Union of Railwaymen.
On 29 January 1919 Elsie sprained her ankle at work. She was off work until 10 March 1919; whilst off, she received 19 shillings and 2 pence per week in compensation.
Sadly Elsie’s husband, Henry, died in 1917. Elsie stayed as a carriage cleaner until at least 1939, a relatively long career for a railwaywoman. She died in 1983.