Tramway Or Railway?
What is the difference between a tramway and a railway?
Definition 1 – Many people regard “tramways” as plateways and railways where a horse pulls the trucks; compared to “railways” where a locomotive pulls the trucks.
Definition 2 – Other people regard “tramways” as plateways and railways that did not require an Act of Parliament; compared to “railways” where an Act of Parliament was required.
The Coleorton Railway is an interesting case. Being horse pulled it is a tramway according to the first definition, yet by the second definition it is a railway. Regardless of the technical arguments, on this website it is treated as a tramway.
Swannington’s Tramways
- Jessop’s Tramway 1794 and the Charnwood Forest Canal – Why the tramway and canal were built.
- Jessop’s Tramway 1794 – Swannington Spur – Description of the route from Limby Hall Lane to the Loughborough Road (A512).
- Jessop’s Tramway 1794 – Coleorton Spur – Description of route.
- Coleorton Railway 1833 – Description of route from bottom of Swannington Incline to Newbold.
- Califat Tramway 1850s – Description of route from bottom of Swannington Incline to Califat coalmine
- Calcutta Tramway 1850s – Description of route from bottom of Swannington Incline to Calcutta pumping station.