Jilly Fry

Author

Photo from public domain

The Hansom cab (short for cabriolet) was originally designed by Joseph Hansom in Hinckley, Leicestershire in 1834. The design was modified by John Chapman but the original name was retained. The cab itself was small, only holding two passengers – 3 at a push if you were small and could squeeze together. Entrance and exit to the cab was by way of two folding doors which protected the passengers’ feet and clothes from any mud or debris flicked upwards from the road as they sped along

The driver sat behind the passenger compartment on a raised sprung seat and controlled the horse with very long reins which reached over the cab. In the roof of the cab, there was a small communication trap door which also served as a payment hatch. There was no avoiding your fare for the cabbie had a lever which released the doors once payment was received. As I mentioned above, the fares were cheaper because the vehicle was light enough to be pulled by only one horse. The cab had a lower centre of gravity for safe cornering. Designed with speed and safety in mind, they were ideal for weaving in and out of the notorious Victorian London traffic, lightweight and small enough to park easily even in tight spaces. However, there was no storage for luggage so it was passengers only.

In my Victorian mystery novels, the Hansom Cab features regularly, my characters, Mrs Wynter and her brother Ambrose use them to travel around London. The fares are not only cheaper than the traditional four wheeler, or Growler, carriage they are a speedier form of transport. I find them quite fascinating, after reading this blog I hope you will too.

Jilly