Birmingham and Aston Tramways Company

The Birmingham and Aston Tramways Order 1880 approved the construction of the first steam tramway in Birmingham which duly opened on 26 December 1882.

It ran from Aston Street in the centre of Birmingham via Aston Cross and then followed two routes to Witton, one via Park Road and Witton Lane and the other along Lichfield Road and Church Lane.

On 23 February 1885 a branch line to the foot of Gravelly Hill from Lichfield Road was opened.

The rolling stock comprised steam locomotive engines in a crimson livery and Starbuck Car and Wagon Company double-deck trailer cars in cream. The locomotive fleet comprised acquisitions as follows:

1 Kitson and Company 1882

2-6 Kitson and Company 1883

7-8 Wilkinson 1883