Accrington’s trams, a troubled start.

Accrington’s trams had a troubled start, with allegations of corruption involving the contactor who subsequently ran out of money. As a result Accrington Corporation had to complete the system themselves. Work started in 1884 two years after the Accrington corporation Tramways Act was passed by Parliament.

The routes were operated by another company. The Accrington Corporation
Steam Tramways Company Ltd who had a 21 year lease, running until 1907. The depot was situated off Hyndburn road. Notably, the building is still in use as a builders merchant.

Steam Trams begin operating in Accrington

Steam hauled services began operating on the 8th of April 1886. There were only two lines. One from Accrington Market Place to Church, and another that ran to Clayton le Moors Via Whalley Road. A third line to Baxenden opened a few months later. The poorly laid Corporation rails caused many problems and this resulted in hardly any profit for the operating company until 1899!

Accrington’s Electric Trams arrive late

The original lease ran out in 1907 and this is when the system was electrified. Much later than many other towns.

Accrington’s trams, the end came in 1932.

Due to the cost of renewing the aging equipment, Accrington’s tram system was closed down in 1932. Buses replaced trams from 1928 onwards.
Accrington’s first two buses were two 18-seat Brush bodied Dennis G chassis Nos. 44 and 45.
This is No. 44 (TE5586). (LTHL collection) Local Transport History Library.