111 years of public buses to Corsham closing in April 2016

On the 24th April, the 231 bus service operated by First Bus, will be withdrawn according to our latest information.  The original bus service was started by the Bath Tramways Company in 1905 and for many years 3 services ran through Corsham from Bath to Chippenham and one travelled further to Calne.  Service 46 took the route through Box and Corsham moving on to Chippenham then on to Calne and for this service special low deck buses were used because of the low railway bridge just outside of Calne by the Black Dog Halt.  Service 46A came through Box, but travelled along the Devizes road, in the village, turning left at the Horse and Jockey to Hawthorn, then along Park Lane and into Corsham and onwards, through the High Street, to Chippenham.  Service 50B was from Corsham, through Neston to the Ridge and back.

Bath Tramways were succeeded on the route between Bath, Corsham and Chippenham by various named companies finally ending up with First Bus.  I understand the Faresaver X31 service will be taking the route originally taken by the 231 service which ensures most parts of Corsham will be serviced with a daily bus service.

The photos below show the original 1905 bus and buses from the 1950s in Pickwick Road.

Michael Rumsey