Trams in Hillfields

Steam powered trams were introduced in Coventry in 1884. The service operated privately by the Coventry and District Tramway Company and ran between Coventry Station and Bedworth, via Foleshill Road. The first depot was near Lythalls Lane. Although an initial sensation, people complained that the trams were smelly, noisy and frightened the horses and many people reverted to using feet and horses.

The system was electrified in 1895 and the Coventry Electric Tramway Company ran trams from its Foleshill depot from 5th December 1895. The main generating station for the system was at Priestley's Bridge. Coal for the power station was supplied by the local Wyken and Walsgrave pits. The power generating station was expanded in 1899 to become the main repair centre for the company.

The new trams were a great success and the system was extended in 1897 to serve Bell Green and Stoke and in 1905 to Earlsdon and Chapelfields. As time passed it was expanded to many other parts of the city. 

The tram system was purchased by the City Corporation in 1912 for £202,132. At that time there were 13 miles of track. Hillfields became the home of the service in 1913 when the Priestley's Bridge depot was expanded to became the main tram depot. The photo below was taken in May 1939.

The number 8 tram ran from Earlsdon to the the Bulls Head at Stoke. This route ran from 1899 to 1940. The route included Hales Street, White Street, Victoria Street, King William Street, Vernon Street, Paynes Lane and Binley Road. 

This tram accident happened on 15th December 1907 in Lower Ford Street. The tram landed on top of a bicycle, but the rider escaped unhurt. 

Following damage caused in the Coventry Blitz, the whole of Coventry's tram system closed down in 1940. Although bomb damage was the final straw, the tram system was already on the way out and it had been planned to close it down by 1942. Three routes from Broadgate to Gosford Green, Coventry Station and Earlsdon had all been closed in 1937.  The future of public transport was seen to be the bus. Buses were cheaper to run and more flexible  to operate.

Follow this link for an interesting site about trams in Coventry.

This page was last updated 31/07/02