Trams of the British Isles

Key Points

• The complete story of the decline of Britain’s tram network
• Covers London to Glasgow and Belfast to Southampton
• Lavishly illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs

Description

At the end of World War II, there were more than 40 tramways operational throughout the British Isles. Within a generation, however, the number of operators that survived could be numbered on the digits of one hand as, one by one, the systems gradually disappeared.

The story of the decline of the tramcar in the British Isles over these years is one that was filled with missed opportunities, as new tramcars and route extensions were needlessly scrapped or abandoned well before their economic life dictated. From major cities such as London, Glasgow and Liverpool with their massive network to smaller operators such as the Swansea & Mumbles and the Giant’s Causeway the period between 1945 and 1962 was to witness an almost unrelenting retreat by the tram.

Trams of the British Isles records the story of those systems that were doomed from the moment peace was declared in 1945 including those that sought initially to invest, but yet still succumbed and the handful that managed to survive.