Blackburn Corporation Tramways | |
Locale: | Blackburn |
Open: | 28 May 1887 |
Close: | 3 September 1949 |
Status: | Closed |
Gauge: | 4'0" (1219 mm) |
Propulsion System: | Horse, steam then electric |
Blackburn Corporation Tramways operated a tramway service in Blackburn, Lancashire, England between 1887 and 1949.[1]
Blackburn Corporation Tramways Company was established in 1886 by Cosh & Cramp, a partnership of a London-based tramway contractor and engineer, Charles Courtney Cramp and Richard Lawrence Cosh.
Blackburn Corporation operated a tramway from 28 May 1887. There were two routes operated by steam power, and two by horse-drawn trams. Fourteen steam engines were obtained from Thomas Green & Son at a cost of £700 (equivalent to £ in) each.
In 1888, Robert Walter Cramp, brother of Charles Courtney Cramp, was appointed manager.
On 24 August 1898, Blackburn corporation purchased the Company for £77,210 (equivalent to £ million in), and undertook a programme of modernisation and electrification. The power station was at the junction of Bridge Street, and Jubilee Street.
The company acquired 48 tramcars from G.F. Milnes & Co. and 12 from United Electric Car Company which were decorated in an olive green and ivory livery.
The company had a through running arrangement with the cars of the Darwen Corporation Tramways system.
The last service ran on 3 September 1949.