Horse drawn trams were later adopted because the wheels rolled more easily along the rails, so horses could pull heavier loads (= more passengers) and could get to their destinations slightly more quickly. the ones in these cards used to run on the streets of Belfast in Northern Ireland.
 |
| Royal Avenue, Belfast |
 |
| Castle Place, Belfast |
The Belfast Street Tramways Company first operated horse drawn trams in 1870 until they were bought out by Belfast Corportation in 1905. During that year they were electrified so the pictures must date from before then.
The cards themselves probably date from about 1902, I would say. They do have divided backs but there is space on the front left for messages and it looks as though the "Write Here for Inland Postage only" has been added later.
There are people all over the street. I'm glad we have corner crossings now, though I do sometimes cross in the middle when I can get away with it.
ReplyDeleteStreets I recognise from my one and only vist to Belfast. Wouldn't it be fun to have the horsedrawn trams back again? Alas life's to fast for that.
ReplyDeleteThose double-deck trams seem like they would be a heavy load for a horse or even two. I love imagining the clip-clop sound of horses pulling the cars.
ReplyDeleteWe have come a long way very quickly
ReplyDeleteThe photos seem to have been taken from an interesting vantage point, and don’t they make the street look huge and busy?
ReplyDeleteNice cards...I love these old fashioned ones.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful cards that show just how chaotic the streets were back then. We never walk in the streets - except for suburban neighborhoods with no sidewalks!
ReplyDeleteVery similar to the horse-drawn trams they used in Derby at this time. Nice postcards - thanks for sharing the images.
ReplyDeleteLovely old cards : and, like Bob, I recognise some of the streets from recent visits to Belfast.
ReplyDeleteThey Should Bring Them Back For The Tourists!
ReplyDeletesplendid cards and I did admire the scenery as well. I wonder how this district now fares nowaday...
ReplyDelete:/~
HUGZ