Tyne and Wear HER(16481): Walker Road, stone tramway - Details
16481
Newcastle
Walker Road, stone tramway
Walker
NZ26SE
Transport
Tramway Transport Site
Tramway
POST MEDIEVAL
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Structure
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.
427420
563790
NZ427420563790
Tyne and Wear Specialist Conservation Team, Annual Report 2010/11, p 16