You appear to be using a browser that is no longer supported. You may find that you are unable to use all features on the site. We recommend upgrading or changing your browser, if possible.
Skip to main content
Search... Open this section

Glasgow Trams c1902

Phantom rides on trams around the city

  • Print All

Description

Footage of trams shot in Glasgow city centre in 1901 or 1902. This film is attributed to the well-known early filmmakers Mitchell and Kenyon Co. The film shows an open topped tram turning the corner from St Vincent Street into Hope Street. The conductor descends the stairs at the rear of the tram as another passes by. Shots from a tram as it passes along a busy street, possibly Argyle Street, passing an open topped tram bound for Shawlands and some bound for Queen's Park and Govan. Shots along Hope Street or possibly up Jamaica Street, as a tram passes for Shieldhall, followed by several others. Shot of a tram as it passes underneath "Hielandman's Umbrella" at the Central Station on a sunny day. Shots along Argyle Street of pedestrians, trams and horse-drawn carts.

Questions & Activities

Questions

  • How many Glasgow areas can you identify from the trams?
  • Between which years did the trams run in Glasgow and why were they stopped?
  • How much of Glasgow was accessible by trams?
  • At the turn of the 20th Century, was Glasgow the only Scottish city with trams or were they elsewhere?
  • What do you notice about how most of the people in the film are dressed? Do you think that this is a fair representation of all people in Glasgow at the start of the 20th Century?
  • Why do you think this film was made and where would it be shown?

Activities

When trams were designed they were very forward thinking and built to last. Design a form of public transport that will be used for the next 50 years within a city.

Research forms of transport available in Scotland in 1900, 1920, 1940, 1960, 1980, 2000 and beyond. What are the major differences that you find?

Design a poster promoting environmentally friendly public transport.

Although this film was made around 1902, the behaviour of the pedestrians has not changed. Discuss the ways in which you could reduce the number of young people involved in road accidents and produce an information leaflet for that specific target audience.

Clip Details

Record Id 007-000-000-133-C
Resource Rights Holder National Library of Scotland
Project Ref 0794
Date 1902c
Genre Documentary, Local Topical, Newsreel
School Subject Literacy, Social Studies, Expressive Arts, History, Health and Wellbeing
Subject Matter Victorians, Edwardians
Who Mitchell and Kenyon Co. (production company – attributed)
Where Glasgow
Attributes Black and White, Silent
Clip Length 2:50
Film Length 02:50