The World's First Steam Tramway: The Story of the Wantage Tramway
Richard Marks
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £80 plus travel @45p per mile up to 50 miles from Reading. Can also be run online
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 18th December 2024
- Tagged:
- Railway200 | Railway History | Social History | Trains
In 1871 a new railway was proposed, which would be the first in many things, under the powers of the new Tramways Act. This would become the Wantage Tramway Company. The Tramway was really a light railway running under the conditions of the Tramways Act, and was the first tramway in the world to be hauled by steam power. The company was innovative from the outset, trialling and using a variety of different forms of traction until the very end. The company was extremely influential in the town, and was also extremely caring about its staff, and even the people of Wantage. They also had an incredibly close relationship with their bigger neighbour, the Great Western Railway. Find out more about the story of the tramway and its social and economic impact in this new talk which accompanies my new book of the company published in late 2024 by Pen and Sword.
Views: 15 | Enquiries: 0About Richard Marks
I am a freelance professional historian residing in Berkshire. I specialize in industrial, military, and railway history, as well as the history of science. My current research focuses on industrial and social change during the Victorian era, the progression of Britain's railway and canal systems in the latter half of the 19th century, and the broader history of British industry. I earned my PhD in history from the University of Reading in 2024 and also have experience teaching a range of historical subjects to diverse groups.
My talks are suitable for different audiences and group sizes. I can adjust the length and format to meet your needs. My goal is to inform and entertain, and to leave the audience with a new insight and a desire to learn more.
My previous career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies, has given me a unique perspective as an historian.
Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."
"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Richard Marks
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- A Bombers Moon: The Equipment and Tactics of RAF Bomber Command during World War Two
- Iron Dragons: British Tanks in the First World War
- A Barber and a Surgeon: Medicine in Victorian Times
- Stephensons Horses: The Victorian Railways
- Trouble at Mill: Life in the Victorian Factories
- An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure
- Chocks Away: The Royal Flying Corps in the First World War
- So You Think We Do Not Make Anything Anymore ? British Manufacturing in the 21st Century
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- Munitions Workers in World War One
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- Britain's Railways During World War Two
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- The Royal Air Force in World War 2
- Biscuits for Queen Victoria: The Story of the Early Days of Huntley and Palmer
- The Royal Navy in World War I
- The Royal Navy in World War 2
- The Western Front in World War One
- The Home Front in World War I
- More Than France: Why World War I was a World War
- A British Industrial Giant that Never Was: The Story of British Rail Engineering Limited
- Living in The Slums: The Experience of the Victorian Working Class
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- Railway200: The British Railway Revolution
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