The iconic tramlines that used to run across Cardiff and are still being rediscovered decades later

Taking people to work and home across Cardiff during the first half of the twentieth century, trams once ran northward to southward through the city from Pier Head to Mynachdy Road, and westward to eastward from Victoria Park to Roath Depot.

Following the unveiling of the new South Wales Metro tram trains which will provide a link between Cardiff and the rest of the South Wales valleys, we've taken a look back at Cardiff’s tramlines - transporting us back to a time when it was once a singularly iconic and popular feature in the everyday life of a Cardiff resident.

Some 73 years after the Cardiff trams stopped operating, some are still finding remnants of this old transport system years on, with historic tram lines being discovered beneath the concrete and tarmac. Famously, a tram line was discovered in Cardiff Central two years ago during construction work and drew attention back to this era of transport in Cardiff.

Converting from horse tramways to electrical traction in 1902, the tramways sparked immediate success and popularity. Before long the Roath Park line emerged as the most popular, with the Tramways Committee paying for bands to play in Roath Park. One occasion saw 12,000 people visiting Roath Park.

Whilst being in good condition throughout the years, the Cardiff trams saw significant staff shortages and reduced maintenance throughout the First World War - and though they came out the other side run-down, they were still restorable and put back into use.

Buses then emerged in December 1920, though despite this, the tramway was still seen as the most popular mode of transport. Receiving a large investment from R L Horsfield, the Cardiff tram tracks were extended and the system was completely modernised.

Ulimately though, Mr Horsfield moved from the Cardiff Corporation Transport to the Leeds Corporation, and was replaced by William Forbes - who instead supported the rise of buses. Following this, a planned extension was put to a halt and the first tramway was closed on Salisbury road in January 1930.

The second tramway closure took place in 1936 by Mr Forbes, despite accounts that the tramcars on the route were still in good condition whilst being close to 10 years old. Ultimatey the Cardiff Corporation Council decided in 1939 that they would abandon the tramway and move forward with trolley buses.

Still running throughout the Second World War, the tramways saw an extreme shortage of staff and maintenance, especially following the new policy that they were to be eventually replaced by trolley buses. Following the Second World War, the tramways became more and more broken down and were eventually abolished altogether on February, 19 1950.

The very last tramline made its way around Cardiff on the Whitchurch Road route, closing off nearly 50 years of tramways. On its sides was inscribed a poem which expressed a mourning over the loss of this iconic mode of transport:

“Goodbye my friends, this is the end, I’ve travelled miles and miles,

"And watched your faces through the years show anger, tears and smiles.

"Although you’ve criticised my looks and said I was too slow,

"I got you there and brought you back through rain and sleet and snow.

"To all of you old-timers and you still in your teens

"Who drove with me through peace and war packed in just like sardines,

"I’d like to thank you one and all for the patience you have shown

And say farewell to the finest folk that a tram has ever known.”

The last of Cardiff's trams were finally given a truly "Viking's Funeral" at the Newport Road tram depot. All the useful fittings had been taken out and the shells of the vehicles disposed of.

These photos of Cardiff's tramlines will take you right back in history: