Leeds Tramways Company

Leeds Tramways Company operated a tramway service in Leeds between 1871 and 1894.[1]

Leeds Tramways Company
Trams on Briggate
Operation
LocaleLeeds
Open16 September 1871
Close2 February 1894
StatusClosed
Infrastructure
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Propulsion system(s)Horse and steam
Statistics
Route length14.16 miles (22.79 km)

History

The Leeds Tramways Order of 1871 authorised the Leeds Tramways Company to construct tramway lines in Leeds. The first route opened on 16 September 1871 from Boar Lane to Oak Inn, Headingley.

With subsequently built additional routes and extensions the total length of the network increased to just over 14 miles (22.5 km).

A successful experiment with steam traction took place in 1882, and from this time onwards until the end of services the company operated a mixture of horse drawn and steam services.

William Turton

William Turton blue plaque 4 August 2018

William Turton pioneered the use of horse-drawn tramways and was the founding director of the company.[2]

Closure

Leeds Corporation purchased the tramway company in 1893 for the sum of £112,225 with the aim of modernising it and extending it, which it did under the control of Leeds Corporation Tramways. It took direct control of operations in 1894.

See also

References

  1. The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
  2. "William Turton". Leeds Civic Trust. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
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