Early Tramways of Yorkshire

Book excerpt: It has often been said that the world was horse-drawn before the introduction of electric tramways. So, the establishment of a new and relatively cheap mode of transport was a revelation to many people enabling them to travel, work and play beyond their immediate surroundings. The opening of a tramway route captured everyone's imagination, ensuring kids, and adults (and the occasional dog) would turn out to witness the event, always orchestrated by groups of local civic dignitaries. This book via breathtaking, pin sharp pictures - taken from rare postcards and exclusive glass plate negatives - lavishly illustrates the early years of tramways across Yorkshire, from Sheffield to Hull, from Doncaster to Keighley and areas in-between including, Rotherham, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield and Leeds. The onlooker today, besides being at one with the enthralled locals, celebrating their new tramway systems, will not resist being enchanted by the everyday street scenes and people going about their daily lives, examples of which abound page after page in this glimpse into a long-forgotten age.