This film is part of Free
Opening of Accrington Electric Tramways (1907)
Cheering crowds and much jubilation greet the launch of the Accrington to Oswaldtwistle electric tram service.
Overview
Shown at Ellison's Tenement fairground in August 1907, this particularly attractive film won glowing reports from the local press, who delighted at the novel sight of "ladies, prettily attired [driving] three fine, spick and span, gaily decorated Accrington cars [performing] the taxing duty with admirable skill and judgement... accomplishing the four miles' enjoyable run without a hitch."
The film features some cheeky examples of advertising by showmen and their operators, who cunningly place a "Relph and Pedley's the Best" card in a prominent position at the front of the cab to ensure that their name is captured by the camera.
Related
Panorama of the River Avon to Portishead (1902) Panorama of the River Avon to Portishead (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 9 mins Silent Location: Portishead
A fine variety of views of the Avon gorge taken from various positions downstream from the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Phantom Ride on the Furness Railway (1901) Phantom Ride on the Furness Railway (1901)
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Furness Abbey
A driver's view of the Furness Railway through Furness Abbey Tunnel and Station.
Tram Ride through Sunderland (1904) Tram Ride through Sunderland (1904)
Non-Fiction 1904 3 mins Silent Location: Sunderland
The thrill of a ride through central Sunderland to the sea at Roker.
Liverpool As Seen from the Front of an Electric Car from the Pierhead to the Circus (1901) Liverpool As Seen from the Front of an Electric Car from the Pierhead to the Circus (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
A fascinating film tour into the heart of Edwardian Liverpool.
Scenes at Egremont Ferry (1901) Scenes at Egremont Ferry (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Egremont
Edwardian tourists and businessmen hurry off the ferry and down the long pier at Egremont on the River Mersey.
Beautiful Panorama of Railway Ride from St. German to Millbay (1901) Beautiful Panorama of Railway Ride from St. German to Millbay (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 3 mins Silent Location: Plymouth
Views from an Edwardian railway trip, filmed just east of the Devon-Cornwall border and over the Tamar.
Accrington Parade (1901) Accrington Parade (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Accrington
Marching bands and local volunteers fill the streets of the Lancashire town.
Baden-Powell Opening Accrington's Ambulance Hall Baden-Powell Opening Accrington's Ambulance Hall
Non-Fiction 1904 4 mins Silent Location: Accrington
A magnificent procession marks the Boer War hero's arrival in Lancashire in a stunningly-preserved film.
Coronation Festivities at Accrington (1902) Coronation Festivities at Accrington (1902)
Documentary 1902 8 mins Silent Location: Accrington
The Lancashire town greets Edward VII's big day with a cheery spectacle.
Proclamation of King Edward VII, Market Place, Accrington (1901) Proclamation of King Edward VII, Market Place, Accrington (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Accrington
The Edwardian era kicks off with the proclamation of the new King.
Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902) Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Accrington
An Edwardian congregation emerges after Sunday service in Accrington, Lancashire.
Visit of Sir George Cotton at Accrington (1902) Visit of Sir George Cotton at Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 1 mins Silent Location: Accrington
A small crowd greets a local Conservative parliamentary candidate at Accrington station.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.