 It opened in 1823, and a number of short branches were built in the next few years.The Lee Moor Tramway (LMT) was opened as a branch of the original line in 1856; the extraction of china clay had become an important industry, and the LMT brought the mineral down to processing areas and to shipment at Plymouth.The LMT too operated with horse traction, in conjunction with steam locomotives and rope worked inclines.