Walker Road, stone tramway

Stone tramway similar to that on Hanover Street in Newcastle. The tramway is laid with large baulks of stone to provide a smooth surface for horse-drawn carts. This arrangement was once common in cobbled streets or on steep hills. The granite blocks provided a smoother surface for the wheels of the carts whilst the traditional setts between the lines allowed better grip for the horses hooves. This system was only provided for traffic travellin up slope. The idea is thought to have been first used in northern Italy and introduced into this country in the early 19th century. A stone retaining wall runs parallel to the tramway, on its eastern side.