First stone of the Gloucester and Cheltenham Tramroad, 21 November 1809

Background. The Gloucester and Cheltenham Railway Company was incorporated in April 1809 to connect Gloucester and Cheltenham, addressing poor road conditions. The line was designed as a 3 ft 6 in gauge plateway with cast iron plates on stone blocks. Its primary economic purpose was transporting coal from Gloucester Docks to Cheltenham and building stone from Leckhampton Hill quarries.

Construction. Construction was initiated by the laying of the first stone block on 21 November 1809, an alternative to the later common practice of cutting the first sod. The line opened for mineral traffic on 2 July 1810, and the entire route was opened on 4 June 1811. The company faced financial difficulties, requiring additional funding in 1815.

Operations. The tramroad connected Gloucester Docks to Cheltenham, carrying coal from the Forest of Dean and stone from Leckhampton. Passenger traffic was considered possible if locomotive operation was introduced, though the line's main business remained mineral conveyance. Street running in Gloucester and Cheltenham was deemed unacceptable, and income barely covered costs.