During the 1860s and 1870s horse-drawn tramcars began operating in London and the provinces. The earliest tram drivers wore a formal frock coat and top hat, but soon favoured a more fashionable, shorter morning coat or jacket and bowler hat. In winter, an overcoat was teamed with a large apron or rug wrapped high around the chest. From the outset, most tram conductors were distinguished from drivers by their neat ‘kepi’-style peaked caps, and over time some adopted smart brass-buttoned jackets: even when wearing regular clothes, many conductors sported a cap bearing their tram company badge, the regulation PSV licence tag prominently displayed. Leather money satchels and new Bell Punch ticket machines were introduced in the 1880s, adding an efficient, business-like air. Yet there was great regional variety in Victorian tram crews’ attire, some companies issuing uniforms and insignia to their staff, while many never developed a recognisable uniform during the horse-drawn era.

By c.1900 electric tramcars were replacing horse-powered trams, although old and new coexisted for some years. Local tram companies were also being taken over by municipal authorities and the combination of modern vehicles and desire for an identifiable city corporation image seemingly prompted standardised uniforms for staff operating the new trams. The first electric tram drivers, now called ‘motormen’, and their conductors all wore quasi-military style jackets or tunics with epaulettes and peaked kepi caps bearing the corporation badge or a brass badge with ‘Conductor’ or ‘Motorman’ in script lettering. Soon caps grew larger and many crews adopted handsome double-breasted hip-length tunics with a high collar, leather cuffs and large buttons – dress resembling chauffeurs’ uniforms. The buttons often bore the corporation’s insignia and the collar its initials, as well as the wearer’s employee number. Seasonal tram uniforms included the summer white cap rain cover and for winter, a sturdy overcoat, worn with leather gauntlets or gloves by motormen.

During WW1 women worked as tram conductors and, in some areas, as drivers, their uniform comprising a belted jacket, calf-length flared skirt and wide-brimmed felt hat, slouch hat or soft bonnet. Regional variations included the distinctive tartan skirts issued to Glasgow Tram Corporation’s female crews. For men, the basic pre-war uniform continued between the wars, although jackets and trousers were re-styled and new metals like nickel were used for badges and buttons. During WW2 those tramways still operating often employed all-female crews who wore short military-style jackets and tailored skirts or trousers.

With thanks to the Ashley Birch Collection/British Tramway Company Buttons and Badges, who gave permission to publish these images: tramwaybadgesandbuttons.com