Hello readers, as The Stratford Artist my favourite subjects are the historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon. A few years ago, I started a project to draw and paint all the town's structures that are on Historic England's "listed buildings" schedule. There are over 350 in the town centre alone of which I have dealt with 70 or so.

To add unique interest to my work I do a little research into the history of each building looking for a quirky story, be it fact or fable, which I then illustrate with my little characters.

This is number eleven in a series of articles featuring a picture and story from my historic buildings collection. Three in one this time…I hope you like it.

The Tramway Bridge, Cox’s Yard & Tramway House

The early c19th was a time for great change around the town centre area known as The Bancroft, even today dominated by the canal basin and lock. The canal, which began in Kings Norton, Birmingham in 1793, was opened to Stratford on 24^th June 1816.

On the managing committee was lawyer, surveyor, land agent and rail transport visionary Mr William James of Henley-in-Arden who then inspired the development of a tramway linking Stratford with Moreton-in-Marsh. Unfortunately, his own involvement was cut short by a spell in debtor's prison and eventual bankruptcy! The Grade II listed Tramway Bridge was, however, constructed in 1823. Horse-drawn wagons were the stars in the grand opening of the tramway on 5^th September 1826. The tramway and canal made it possible to convey large quantities of coal, timber, limestone and other goods between Birmingham and the North Cotswolds.

The Bancroft became a flourishing industrial centre with numerous wharves and warehouses. An original wagon still stands on the town-side approach to the bridge. Evidence also remains in Cox's Yard, now a pub and theatre complex, with the c1820 Grade II “Principal Timber Warehouse” and tall drying shed chimney. The yard was taken over as a timber-merchant's business in 1830 by James Cox. 1825/26 saw the appearance of Tramway House, also Grade II listed, where tolls were paid to cross the bridge. My picture imagines a wagoner arriving rather too late with "One Last Load"!

The bicentenary of the tramway's opening will be marked in the Stratford Heritage Exhibition 2026 from June to September in Harvard House. Please check the community local events pages for more details.

Originals or prints from my historic buildings collection are often available and I welcome commissions for portraits of your home or other favourite building. Email me at ken.morgan96@yahoo.com for details.

© Ken Morgan

Ken Morgan, aka The Stratford Artist, is a professional artist working from his studio close to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon. His favourite subjects are the historic buildings and structures in and around his hometown. He works in ink and watercolour. Architectural accuracy is important, but his style brings life to the pictures, often helped by the addition of humorous or quirky characters.

Another thing...can you find the little blackbird which appears in all Ken's pictures?

See more of Ken Morgan's work on Instagram @thestratfordartist.