Before 1932, the only road route between Southampton High Street and Above Bar was through the arch in the centre of the Bargate.
In 1923 a new design of enclosed double deck tram was built by P.J Baker, General Manager of the tramways.
It had a rounded top that would fit through the arch.
These trams had smaller wheels to help reduce the tram's height.
They were driven by high speed motors which produced more torque.
However, the roadway through the arch in the Bargate still had to be lowered to allow the trams to pass through the arch.
Some secret changing of the profile of the arch's masonry was also needed at the last minute.
Trams started to pass around the East of the Bargate on 24 April 1932.
The last tram to pass through the central archway did so on 4 June 1938.
By this time part of Southampton ancient walls had been demolished so that the Bargate was passable on both sides.
Before 1932, the only road route between Southampton High Street and Above Bar was through the arch in the centre of the Bargate. In 1923 a new design of enclosed double deck tram was built by P.J Baker, General Manager of the tramways. It had a rounded top that would fit through the arch. These trams had smaller wheels to help reduce the tram's height. They were driven by high speed motors which produced more torque. However, the roadway through the arch in the Bargate still had to be lowered to allow the trams to pass through the arch. Some secret changing of the profile of the arch's masonry was also needed at the last minute. Trams started to pass around the East of the Bargate on 24 April 1932. The last tram to pass through the central archway did so on 4 June 1938. By this time part of Southampton ancient walls had been demolished so that the Bargate was passable on both sides.
Southampton Corporation Tramways