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| A tram at the opening of Deayton's Stores in Teddington in 1903 |
Early public transport
Around 1900, you could jump on a horsedrawn bus at the King's Head in Twickenham and travel to Richmond for 2d (two old pence worth just less than 1p). The horsedrawn bus was slow, expensive (2d was a lot of money then) and the horses dropped manure in the streets.
The coming of the trams
Electric trams, running on rails were seen as the future of public transport. They were clean, modern and much cheaper to run.
So in 1902 trams came to Twickenham. A grand new Depot was built at Fulwell. One of the largest in London, it could accomodate 165 tramcars.
Tram tracks were laid along all the routes. Some roads were widened and the 'Dip' under the railway bridge by Twickenham Green was dug out to allow the high double decked trams to pass under. |
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the 'Dip' under the railway bridge by Twickenham Green was dug out to allow the high double decked trams to pass under |
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Trolleybuses - the first in London
In 1931 the first trolleybuses in London ran from Fulwell Depot. They were known as the 'Diddlers'.
Ron Hadland was chosen to be the very first conductor. He was selected for his smart turnout. "I spent two hours every day cleaning my uniform and had cuffs gleaming...and buttons twinkling like stars." |
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Finally a bus garage
Since 1962 Fulwell has been a bus garage. The classic double decker Routemaster buses were the first to provide a local service.
For over one hundred years the trams, trolleybuses and buses and the staff at Fulwell Depot have formed a key part of all our local lives. |
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| Things
to do |
Visit Londons' Transport Museum in Covent Garden and see their collection of horse buses, trams, trolleybuses and buses.
Visit the 'Dip' near Twickenham Green. Watch the double deckers go through and see how much height they need. Imagine the trams and trolleybuses going through. |
| Read
more about
Fulwell Depot (for older children and adults). |
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