An early image of a steam tram in Stockton, I believe the depot was in Boat House Lane. The route which is named on the side of tram is Norton to Stockton Bridge would that be Victoria Bridge? The Steam Trams opened in 1881 and ceased in 1897, it seems a short time for the trams to be in operation.
Image courtesy of Derek Buttle
The tram service was steam until 1897 and after ran on electric trams on the same network of tram lines.
Victoria Bridge was completed in 1887 (start 1882) and replaced a 1771 5 arch bridge. When the bridge opened the tramway system was extended into Thornaby and then further. It is possible that this steam tram photo was pre 1887.
Was the advertised ‘Toogood’s’ shop on the High St, possibly on the corner of Finkle Street? I believe I’ve seen several archive photographs containing their shop on the Picture Stockton site but cannot fully recall it’s exact location.