Brighton and Shoreham Tramways
| Brighton and Shoreham Tramways | |
|---|---|
| Operation | |
| Locale | Shoreham-by-Sea |
| Open | 3 July 1884 |
| Close | 6 June 1913 |
| Status | Closed |
| Infrastructure | |
| Track gauge | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) |
| Propulsion system(s) | Steam then horse |
| Statistics | |
| Route length | 4.53 miles (7.29 km) |
The Brighton and Shoreham Tramway operated a tramway service in Shoreham between 1884 and 1913.[1]
History
[edit]The Brighton and Shoreham Tramway ran from a terminus in Southdown Road, Shoreham to Westbourne Villas in Hove, on the former boundary between Hove and Portslade.[2] It never penetrated Hove, although a connecting horse-bus (route 112, operated by the Brighton and Preston United Omnibus Company) was available from the Westbourne Villas terminus.
Construction started in 1883 and route was opened throughout on 3 July 1884, initially with steam-driven trams. After this proved unsuccessful, other methods of propulsion were tried (including, in 1887, an early battery-powered locomotive). In 1893 these were abandoned in favour of horses.
Closure
[edit]The British Electric Traction company took over the operations in 1898, but was unable to agree with any of the local authorities on a strategy for electrification. The tramway closed in June 1913.
References
[edit]- ^ The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
- ^ Harley, Robert J. Brighton's Tramways, Middleton Press, 1992. ISBN 1-873793-02-2.