The Guernsey Railway opened as the Guernsey Steam Tramway on 6 June 1879 with two steam tram engines, more being added later. It was later converted to an electric tramway, which began working on 20 February 1892. The system closed on 9 June 1934. This leaves Alderney as the only Channel Island with a working railway. Guernsey Steam Tramway Company The Guernsey Steam Tramway Company was registered in London on 29 May 1878, the concession having been granted by the States of Guernsey on 2 May 1877, and confirmed by an Order in Council of 13 August 1877. The line extended for about three miles from Saint Peter Port, the principal town, to Saint Sampson's, a smaller port which at that time had extensive granite quarries. The line was single track with passing loops, with a maximum gradient of 1 in 32. The contract for construction was awarded to John Howard F.R.G.S and the value was a little over £4,000 per mile (equal to £ today). The first Merryweather steam engine and carriage arrived only on 4 June on the S.S. Stannington. This remained the situation for the first four weeks of operation and restricted the receipts. By the week ending 23 August, Mr William Gumbley the manager reported 6,780 passengers with total receipts of £67 1s 10d. Two further Merryweather steam tram engines were delivered at a cost of £700 each (equal to £ today). Before it could open the system was examined by Major General Charles Scrope Hutchinson Inspector of Railways for the Board of Trade in the company of Mr Yockney C.E., the company engineer, John Howard F.R.G.S., the contractor and Mr. Duqeumin the State Surveyor and permission was granted to operate the service with two conditions: The rate of speed shall not exceed 4 miles per hour upon the rails which have been temporarily laid between the Piette and the Salirie, and at the curve near the house called Radford’s Coffee House, near the corner of the Bouët Road A watchman shall be stationed until further notice at the corner of the Bouët Road, and at the corner of Radford’s house during all the time that the trains are running. Service commenced on 6 June 1879 and was well received, 2,000 people being carried on the first two days. Trains ran hourly between the harbours, taking 18 minutes for the journey, and consisting of a first