Leyton District Council Tramways



Owner Leyton Urban District Council
Took over (tracks) 1st June 1905 (Lea Bridge, Leyton and Walthamstow Tramways Company [horse] — lines within Leyton and Walthamstow)
Operator (lessee) Lea Bridge, Leyton and Walthamstow Tramways Company
Taken over (operation) 1st November 1905 (Leyton Urban District Council — lines within Leyton and Walthamstow previously leased to the LBL&WTCo)
Taken over (operation) 1st November 1905 (Leyton Urban District Council — company-owned tracks in Hackney, as the company's lessee)
Took over 1st June 1906 (North Metropolitan Tramways Company [horse]) — lines and services within Leyton UDC boundary
First electric route 1st December 1906
Taken over (lessor) July 1908 (London County Council — 748 yards of track in Hackney owned by the Lea Bridge, Leyton and Walthamstow Tramways Company, but leased to Leyton Urban District Council)
Operator (lessee) July 1908 (Leyton Urban District Council)
Last horse service 9th December 1908 (over tracks in Hackney, following termination of the lease by London County Council)
Taken over (operation/maintenance) 1st July 1921 (London County Council Tramways)
Owner's name changed 1926 to Leyton Borough Council
Taken over 1st July 1933 (London Transport)
Length 9.52 miles
Gauge 4ft 8½ins

Button description (Pattern 1) The municipal title ('LEYTON DISTRICT COUNCIL'), within a raised rim, surrounding a shield containing three seaxes (swords).
Materials used Brass
Button Line reference [None]

Button description (Pattern 2) Initials 'L.B.C' within a scalloped rim
Materials known Brass
Button Line reference [None]

Comment Given that marked buttons are unknown, it seems highly likely that the Pattern 1 button was used on uniforms up until 1921. Indeed, a studio portrait of a Great War LDCT tram conductress (see link) clearly shows that her uniform bears buttons with a large shield, almost certainly this pattern of button. From mid 1921 onwards, operation of LDCT services was leased to London County Council, and though Leyton tramcars continued to be clearly marked as belonging to Leyton District Council (Leyton Borough Council from 1926) it would be astonishing if anything other than the standard LCC uniform was worn by staff.

Although the Pattern 2 button looks to be from either a 'bus' or 'tramway' operator (on stylistic grounds), there is absolutely no evidence that it was issued by Leyton, and it is presented solely for interest.