Lytham Trams and Views Along the Route (1903)

Lytham
1903-05-28
Silent
2m

The inauguration of the Blackpool to Lytham tram route on 28 May 1903.

This lengthy film (by Mitchell and Kenyon's standards) records the launch of a new local tram route. The Blackpool Herald attended a screening, noting, "A very complete cinematograph picture of the Lytham trams and the views along the route was shown at the Alhambra last night." Said another journalist, "In the distance, the roadway looks like Brooklyn Bridge, America. Just see how curious it is."

Six separate rolls of film are combined together here, including one that features no trams, which the filmmakers are likely to have included for its local interest and closeness to the tram route. The film was commissioned by the manager of the tram service, Mr Slattery.

On the Move

Britain in the early 20th century was a society in a hurry - and transport was changing fast.

The era of mass transportation launched by the Victorians gathered pace in the Edwardian age. Mitchell & Kenyon’s films feature countless trains, buses and trams, as well as horse-drawn coaches and bicycles, though cars are still a rarity.

People where the duo’s stock-in-trade, but transport could also take a leading role. Films feature boats, ferries and ocean liners, but much more common - and frequently magical - are those which take us on a journey by train or, especially, by tram, gliding through space and time into the heart of the towns and cities of our ancestors.