Description and History of Site:-
One of three cliff lifts or tramways, still operational in Yorkshire.

The Central Tramway was the third of the 5 cliff lifts that have operated in Scarborough. South Cliff 1873, Queens Parade 1878, Central 1881, St Nicholas Cliff 1929, North Bay 1930.

Located just to the north of The Grand Hotel, which ensured its success, the lift opened on the 1st August 1881 and is still operated by the original private Central Tramway Company Scarborough Limited. At 233ft (71m) long the tramway rises approximately 100ft (35m) a gradient of 1:2.

Originally steam-operated from a remote winding engine, which made control difficult, the tramway was converted to electric drive in 1910.

In 1932 the lift was modernised with new cars while the driving motor was placed under the top station and the driving position was moved to the top of the station which gave an unrestricted view of the cars.

For emergency use, each car is fitted with a screw on and wedge safety brake which operates on a safety rail down the centre of each track and the rail also carries the rollers for the support of the cable.

Further Reading and References:-
http://www.hows.org.uk/personal/rail/scar.htm

Help us improve this entry

The compilers welcome corrections or additional information on all sites.
Any information provided will be verified before appearing on the web site.

Email comments

Key Words :- inclined cliff railway tramway lift funicular railway

Viewing the Site :- Site open to the public

Address :- Marine Parade, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2ER
Grid Ref :- TA 04377 88441
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.280960 , Long -0.398331
Local Authority :- Scarborough Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Site extant - Protected status unknown
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1880 - current
Record Date :- 16 March 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter