Tramway History
Towards the end of the nineteenth century a group of local businessmen came up with the idea of constructing a railway to the top of the Great Orme. Llandudno was growing rapidly as a resort.
Visitors enjoyed sitting on the beach, bathing in the sea and walking along the promenade, pier and streets. Above the town was the Great Orme from which spectacular views could be seen but it was difficult to get to the top.
The existing roads such as Old Road and Ty Gwyn Road were steep while the route along Marine Drive was long and the side road to the church was again very tiring especially for the elderly. The heavy clothes worn by the Victorians also made walking up steep slopes strenuous.
Therefore, a quick, convenient and lazy way of getting to the summit would be popular and make a lot of money for the operators.
Historical Facts
- Planning Agreed, The Great Orme Tramways Act became law on 23 May 1898.
- April 1901 before construction work actually started
- Planned to open early May 1902 and invite the Prince of Wales
- Was actually the afternoon of 31st July that the first passengers were hauled up the tramline
- The Tramway was not open to the public until July 8th 1903.
The Accident of 1932
On Wednesday 23rd August 1932 a tragic accident involving car number 4 took place. The 'draw bar' to which the cable was attached to the tram snapped and the tram ran out of control down Old Road before crashing into the wall.
The attendant (driver) and a 12 year old girl who had just taken her father's lunchbox to his workplace at the Halfway Station were killed. Many passengers were also badly injured. The tram service was stopped for the rest of the season and the following year.
In 1934 new emergency brakes were fitted and despite the terrible accident the public
had confidence in the line again. In 1935 the line was sold and renamed Great Orme
Railway Ltd. It was at this time that the trams were allowed to run on Sundays for the
first time.