Names on the buses

853 William Marsh

855 William Marsh

783 William Marsh

Connections with Brighton and Hove : 1876 - 1955
Between 1901 and 1939, Brighton had a significant electric tram system, known as Brighton Corporation Tramways. It began service on 25th November 1901 and by 1904 had expanded to a 9.5-mile network of routes. Four years after the service began, William Marsh was appointed as general manager and engineer. Under his skilled guidance the tram system ran efficient, cheap and regular public transport. The tram network comprised of eight routes, with each route being identified by a different letter. The main tramway terminus was at the Aquarium, outside Brighton Palace Pier. Initially, fifty tram cars were purchased. By 1927, all the trams running had been built in Brighton, at the tramway depot in Lewes Road now a depot for Brighton & Hove Buses. The trams were four wheeled, double-decker, open top and of a burgundy and cream design. They ran on a narrow gauge of 3ft 6ins. A consequence of this size gauge was the Board of Trade declared the trams had to be open top as the increase in height with the addition of a roof, would make the tram cars more at risk of being blown over in the event of strong winds. Brighton expanded during the 1930s, with new suburban developments. The tram system came under scrutiny for its perceived lack of flexibility and the cost involved in extending it. It was decided to replace trams with trolleybuses. William remained at the helm of the tramways until the last tram ran on 1st September 1939. It is said he always wore a red carnation in his jacket lapel. He lived in Brighton in Ditchling Road until his death. A few of the distinctive tram shelters remain in the city of Brighton & Hove and the remains of the tram tracks can still be seen at Lewes Road bus depot. One of the original tram cars, tram car number 53, survived and is being restored by a local society.

853 Dennis Trident - carried name since delivery in March 2001, on METRO Line 5, repainted into new livery from September 2004. Metro 5 branding removed March 2009. Bus sold in February 2014. Name reappeared on 855 Mercedes Streetdeck with Route 49 branding in December 2017. Route 49 branding removed September 2021. Name removed in July 2025 as bus became Beach Bus. Name reappeared on 783 ADL Enviro400 in December 2025.