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Brighton and Shoreham Tramways

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Brighton and Shoreham Tramways
Operation
LocaleShoreham-by-Sea
Open3 July 1884
Close6 June 1913
StatusClosed
Infrastructure
Track gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Propulsion system(s)Steam then horse
Statistics
Route length4.53 miles (7.29 km)

The Brighton and Shoreham Tramway operated a tramway service in Shoreham between 1884 and 1913.[1]

History

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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

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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

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  1. ^ The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
  2. ^ Harley, Robert J. Brighton's Tramways, Middleton Press, 1992. ISBN 1-873793-02-2.