[2][3] Built as a standard gauge line,[4] and first run using horse drawn rolling stock,[5] the line became the first to adopt mechanical traction when a steam-powered tramcar, designed by John Grantham, was tried out in the summer of 1875,[6] entering regular service from 1 August 1876.

Two Mekarski system compressed air trams were tried out in 1880 but were not a success as the fuel consumption was much higher than for steam locomotives.

[9] For most of its operation the line was well used and profitable but the advent of popular road transport saw a steady decline in passengers and freight.

[2][10] The line remained independent throughout its existence, and its range of unusual and often outdated equipment attracted attention from railway historians.

It ultimately closed after the track was damaged by heavy lorries during the Second World War, by which time repair would have been unaffordable.