Leeds Tramways Company

Leeds Tramways Company operated a tramway service in Leeds between 1871 and 1894.

History
The Leeds Tramways Order 1871 authorised the Leeds Tramways Company to construct tramway lines in Leeds. The first route opened on 16 September 1871 from Boar Lane to Oak Inn, Headingley.

With subsequently built additional routes and extensions the total length of the network increased to just over 14 miles.

A successful experiment with steam traction took place in 1882, and from this time onwards until the end of services the company operated a mixture of horse drawn and steam services.

William Turton
William Turton pioneered the use of horse-drawn tramways and was the founding director of the company.

Closure
Leeds Corporation purchased the tramway company in 1893 for the sum of £112,225 with the aim of modernising it and extending it, which it did under the control of Leeds Corporation Tramways. It took direct control of operations in 1894.