Barrow-in-Furness Tramways

Owner Barrow-in-Furness Corporation
Opened 11th July 1885 (steam)
Operator (lessee) Barrow-in-Furness Tramways Co Ltd
Taken over (lessee) 23rd December 1899 (British Electric Traction Company Limited - BET)
First electric route 6th February 1904
Taken over (operation) 1st January 1920 (Barrow-in-Furness Corporation)
Closed 5th April 1932
Length 6.39 miles
Gauge 4ft 0ins


Button description (Pattern 1) Wheel, magnet and electrical flashes
Materials known Brass; nickel; chrome; black (vulcanite)

Button Line reference [113/16]


Button description (Pattern 1) Arms (shield with diagonal band containing an arrow and a bee, flanked by a stag and a serpent, all below a steamship; surmounted by a tower on a torse with a ram's head) all above the motto: 'Semper Sursum' (Ever onward)
Materials known Brass; nickel

Button Line reference [None]

Comment It seems highly likely that BET issued its standard company button (Pattern 1) to tramway staff during its years of ownership, though confirmatory evidence is currently lacking. Similarly, in the absence of specific 'tramway' or indeed 'transport' pattern buttons, it would appear that Barrow-in-Furness Corporation probably used a general untitled coat of arms button (Pattern 2) for all its transport services, including the tramways, though once again, I have no proof of this.

A 'torse' was a twisted roll of fabric that was wound around the top of the helm and crest to hold the mantle in place.

Link For more detailed information, visit the Barrow Transport Website.