Leeds Tramways

An evocative collection of films, many in colour, depicting Leeds trams. Leeds possessed one of the most progressive tram systems in the country. In October 1891, it was home to the first electric tramway in Britain powered by means of the overhead wire. New routes were built until 1949, the trams offering reliable and frequent services at cheap fares. Reserved tracks, including the cross-country Middleton Light Railway, were constructed to serve suburban housing estates. Central area subways were proposed and two modern railcoaches delivered in 1953. However, in the same year, the City Council voted to scrap the trams, the last cars entering Swinegate depot on 7th November 1959. This DVD celebrates the days when the streets of Leeds were filled with a variety of different types of tram.