The History of Wagonways: Early Railways for Goods and People

A wagonway, also spelled waggonway, is an early form of railway or tramway that was used to transport goods and people using horse-drawn wagons. The wagons were pulled by horses along a set of tracks, which were made of wooden planks or stone.

Wagonways were used in the 17th and 18th centuries in Great Britain and other parts of Europe to transport coal, iron ore, and other goods from mines and quarries to market. They were also used to transport people and goods within cities and towns.

The wagonway was an important innovation in transportation technology at the time, as it allowed for faster and more efficient movement of goods and people than traditional horse-drawn carts or wagons. The use of tracks and wagons also made it easier to maintain a consistent route and schedule, which was important for commercial purposes.

Over time, wagonways were replaced by steam-powered railways, which were more efficient and could transport heavier loads over longer distances. However, the concept of using tracks and wagons to transport goods and people has continued to evolve and is still used in modern times in the form of tramways and light rail systems.