Mansfield & District Light Railway
Electricity sparked major progression as towns acquired better lighting and cleaner powers during latter years of an industrious 19th century. Reports of tramline promoters visiting Mansfield dated 25th March 1898 coincide amid months when proposals were made building a giant power station near Warsop colliery. Gas suppliers tried opposing introduction of what they considered was a competitive fuel. A miraculous and clean supply of power inevitably progressed, quickly gaining favour for lighting streets and driving most urban passenger tram services recognised again in modern city use.
Application eventually submitted November 1899 to the Light Railway Commissioners sought official permission for laying tramlines radiating from Mansfield. The private company proposed electricity powered routes running upon a gauge of 3ft 6inch. Offered without burden upon Rates they pushed this commercial venture worrying that delays would increase future costs as previously happened with water and gas suppliers. Chairman of an inquiry held June 1900 at the Town Hall stated they would be happy to recommend the Board of Trade to grant the application, subject to certain clauses. 
Agreed results actually entailed extending proposed routes before work began laying four town lines from Mansfield Market place by the Mansfield & District Light Railway.
Rails northward extend into Pleasley, north easterly connecting the Urban District of Mansfield Woodhouse, and south reaching Mansfields District boundaries at Berry Hill. Fourth tramroad running westerly through Sutton commenced 1st September 1904. Opened by a civic party ride before agreed extension connected Huthwaite, unlike other routes such as Crown Farm, Skegby and Teversal that never got started. Photo above held by Mansfield Museum is of the Mansfield Tram sheds circa 1910, todays bus depot.
Trams coming from Mansfield heading into Sutton progressed between main shop fronts along Outram Street. Previously called Tenter Lane whose renaming was claimed linked with the tramway or a noted rail flange designer. However, the Outram family once owned lands here prior 1797 forest enclosures. Lewis postcard scene circa 1909 reveals tramcar No.15 approaching the Great Northern railway bridge. Crossing that station platform gave a direct tram to train connection, also later shared from Huthwaite.
Trams Ride into Huthwaite
An empty looking Portland Square circa 1910 shows in foreground where tracks continued west bringing Mansfield tramways into Huthwaite. At that central Sutton stop, Urban District Councillors boarded an electric tram to officially experience opening the first Huthwaite run. A ticket issued 17th February 1906 claims to prove date when frequent villager services began running through connections into Mansfield.
Continuing the journey proves it was largely sufficient laying a single tramroad, flush and along middle each roadway. The tram below demonstrates this passing the Lammas grounds towards Church Street.
But two way traffic obviously required passing points, 
such as this one fronting Sutton cemetery, where a tollgate had formerly stood in Sutton Forest Side, charging passage for all previous horse and cart traffic.
Mapped passing points strategically positioned would seem also giving margin against mechanical failures.
With no reports of major breakdowns, our journey continues along length Hucknall Lane, todays B6026 Sutton section called Huthwaite Road. This extends westerly over a mile while gently climbing up across our village border, entering as Sutton Road. It reaches highest stage just passing Huthwaite cemetery. A final passing point then fronted the Portland Arms stood high, overlooking the steeper drop into the Huthwaite Terminus.
Written 01 Aug 04 Revised 18 Jan 12 © by Gary Elliott
