Lincoln Tramways Company
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transport |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Defunct | 1905 |
| Fate | Purchased by Lincoln Corporation Tramways |
| Headquarters | Lincoln , England |
| Products | Horse-drawn tram service |
Lincoln Tramways Company provided a horse-drawn tram service in Lincoln, England from 1882 until 1905.
History
Founded in 1880 with a capital investment of £20,000, the company initially envisioned an extensive tram network. However, only a single route was constructed, running from Bracebridge to St. Benedict's Square via Newark Road and High Road. The tram depot, commonly referred to as the Tram Stables by locals, was situated at the junction of Newark Road and Ellison Street.
The system underwent inspection by Major General Hutchinson of the Board of Trade on 6 September 1882. Following minor modifications to the track, operations commenced on 8 September 1882. The trip between St Benedict's Square and Bracebridge lasted approximately 20 minutes, with fares priced at two increments of one penny each.
Patronage saw a notable rise in 1901 after the introduction of half-penny fares specifically designed for workmen.
Vehicles
By the year 1903, the tramcar fleet consisted of ten vehicles. Most were drawn by a single horse, except for Nos. 7 and 8, which could be coupled together during peak demand days. It is believed that Nos. 7 and 8 were acquired second-hand from Gravesend in 1899. The fleet composition was as follows:
- Nos. 1-3: Ashbury models built between 1882 and 1883, seating 16 passengers
- Nos. 4-6: Ashbury vehicles from 1883 to 1885, accommodating 22 seats
- Nos. 7-8: Company-manufactured toastrack style trams from 1889 and 1899, with capacity for 32 passengers
- Nos. 9-10: Produced by Falcon Engine & Car Works in 1900, seating 18 individuals
Closure
In July 1904, Lincoln Corporation Tramways purchased the line for £10,488 with plans to modernize the service. The final horse-drawn tram operated on 22 July 1905 before shutting down for reconstruction; this concluding journey drew a large audience and featured a specially adorned tramcar.
On 25 July 1905, an auction was held to sell seven tramcars along with twenty-two horses deemed obsolete. A particular horse gained notoriety for being sold multiple times after repeatedly following tram tracks in Nottingham.