Cheltenham and District Light Railway
Map of the Cheltenham and District Light Railway | |
Operation | |
---|---|
Locale | Cheltenham |
Open | 22 August 1901 |
Close | 31 December 1930 |
Status | Closed |
Infrastructure | |
Track gauge | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) |
Propulsion system(s) | Electric |
Statistics | |
Route length | 10.44 miles (16.80 km) |
The Cheltenham and District Light Railway operated an electric tramway service in Cheltenham between 1901 and 1930.[1]
History
Construction began in 1901 and services started on the initial route from Lansdown to Cleeve Hill on 22 August 1901. The opening day was marred by an accident when one tram ran away down Cleeve Hill and overturned, resulting the deaths of two employees.
The system was notable for having imported its tramcars from the United States of America.
Routes were operated from Cheltenham Spa railway station to Cleeve Hill, Prestbury, Charlton Kings and Leckhampton.[2]
The depot was located 300m north of Cheltenham Spa railway station at SO 9327 2239.
Closure
As part of a programme of replacing the tramway services with buses, the final trams ran on 31 December 1930.