Horse-drawn transport in leeds

William Turton (1825-1900) became the most experienced and respected developer of urban transport in northern England. Turton began a hay dealership aged nineteen, becoming a large-scale corn, fodder and coal merchant. He investing in livery stables, cabs and horse omnibuses. He was a founding Director of Leeds Tramways Company and Chairman for most of its existence to 1896. As a Borough Councillor for many years, he was close to decision-making and ran risks of insider dealing and conflicts of interest. With Daniel Busby he pioneered tramways for most northern cities (including Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham and Newcastle). He adopted steam engines alongside horses, the real heroes of the story. His great-great-grandson reveals his fascinating life story.