Cheltenham and District Light Railway

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.

References

  1. The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
  2. Kelly's Directory of Gloucestershire, 1914